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.
CMS
CMS Energy Corporation
$67.15UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NI
NiSource Inc
$41.42UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — CMS vs NI
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCMS +110.9% (+7.7%/yr)NI +135.8% (+9.0%/yr)NI compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | CMS | NI |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.87 | 22.03 |
| Forward P/E | 17.35 | 20.16 |
| P/S ratio | 2.39 | 2.89 |
| P/B ratio | 2.15 | 2.07 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.07 | 11.92 |
Profitability
| Metric | CMS | NI |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.91% | 50.76% |
| Operating margin | 18.95% | 27.03% |
| Net margin | 11.64% | 13.15% |
| ROE | 10.50% | 9.45% |
| ROIC | 3.41% | 4.54% |
Dividends
| Metric | CMS | NI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.35% | 2.85% |
| Payout ratio | 66.64% | 62.77% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMS | NI |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CMS Energy P/E ratioNiSource P/E ratioCMS Energy dividend yieldNiSource dividend yieldCMS Energy ROENiSource ROECMS Energy operating marginNiSource operating marginCMS Energy revenue growthNiSource revenue growthCMS Energy free cash flowNiSource free cash flow
CMS Energy & NiSource 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 13, 2026.