CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) vs NiSource Inc (NI)

A side-by-side comparison of CMS Energy Corporation and NiSource Inc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCMS vs NI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CMS +110.9% (+7.7%/yr)NI +135.8% (+9.0%/yr)NI compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$211$236
CMS NI

CMS vs NI: by the numbers

  • CMS is the larger company ($21.06B vs $19.86B market cap).
  • CMS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.87 vs 22.03 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NI converts more revenue to profit (13.15% vs 11.64% net margin).
  • NI grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.18% vs 5.09% CAGR).
  • CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.35% vs 2.85%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMSNI
P/E ratio19.8722.03
Forward P/E17.3520.16
P/S ratio2.392.89
P/B ratio2.152.07
EV / EBITDA14.0711.92

Profitability

MetricCMSNI
Gross margin60.91%50.76%
Operating margin18.95%27.03%
Net margin11.64%13.15%
ROE10.50%9.45%
ROIC3.41%4.54%

Dividends

MetricCMSNI
Dividend yield3.35%2.85%
Payout ratio66.64%62.77%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMSNI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.09%8.18%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.90%14.27%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-16.59%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.27%14.61%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CMS or NI?
CMS has the lower trailing P/E: CMS trades at 19.87 and NI at 22.03. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CMS or NI?
Over the past five years, NI grew revenue faster — CMS at a 5.09% CAGR versus NI at 8.18%.
Does CMS or NI pay a bigger dividend?
CMS yields 3.35% and NI yields 2.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CMS or NI more profitable?
NI runs the higher net margin — CMS at 11.64% versus NI at 13.15%.
How have CMS and NI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CMS delivered 8.14% and NI delivered 9.30% 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 September 13, 2026.