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

NI leads on 8 of 14 compared metrics, though CMS is the cheaper stock.

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 June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CMS vs NI

growth of $100 · last 30y
CMS +149.9%NI +559.3%NI compounded faster
0200400600Start $100200120062011201620212026$250$659
CMS NI

CMS vs NI: by the numbers

  • CMS is the larger company ($22.82B vs $22.76B market cap).
  • CMS trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.16 vs 23.62 P/E).
  • NI converts more revenue to profit (14.10% vs 12.55% net margin).
  • NI grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.10% vs 5.66% CAGR).
  • CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.02% vs 2.44%).

Which is better, CMS or NI?

Metric tally: CMS 6 · NI 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMSNI
P/E ratio20.1623.62
Forward P/E17.6321.20
P/S ratio2.513.35
P/B ratio2.342.36
PEG ratio3.451.05
EV / EBITDA12.6712.66

Profitability

MetricCMSNI
Gross margin64.61%55.92%
Operating margin19.53%27.78%
Net margin12.55%14.10%
ROE11.69%9.96%
ROIC3.67%4.51%

Dividends

MetricCMSNI
Dividend yield3.02%2.44%
Payout ratio63.03%59.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMSNI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.66%8.10%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.90%14.27%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-16.59%-7.40%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.28%16.40%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CMS or NI?
It depends on your goal. value: CMS (lower P/E); growth: NI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CMS (higher dividend yield); quality: NI (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NI leads 8 to 6.
Is CMS or NI cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CMS is cheaper: CMS trades at a 20.16 P/E and NI at 23.62.
Which has grown faster, CMS or NI?
Over the past five years, NI grew revenue faster — CMS at a 5.66% CAGR versus NI at 8.10%.
Does CMS or NI pay a bigger dividend?
CMS yields 3.02% and NI yields 2.44% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CMS or NI more profitable?
NI runs the higher net margin — CMS at 12.55% versus NI at 14.10%.
Which has been the better investment, CMS or NI?
Over the past 10-year, NI delivered the higher annualized total return — CMS at 8.60% versus NI at 9.98%. 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 15, 2026.