CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) vs NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG)

CMS leads on 9 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CMS Energy Corporation and NRG Energy, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CMS vs NRG

growth of $100 · last 23y
CMS +864.3%NRG +1302.5%NRG compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $10020072011201520192023$964$1,402
CMS NRG

CMS vs NRG: by the numbers

  • NRG is the larger company ($28.50B vs $22.67B market cap).
  • CMS trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.10 vs 158.89 P/E).
  • CMS converts more revenue to profit (12.55% vs 0.74% net margin).
  • NRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.42% vs 5.66% CAGR).
  • CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.03% vs 1.35%).

Which is better, CMS or NRG?

Metric tally: CMS 9 · NRG 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMSNRG
P/E ratio20.10158.89
Forward P/E17.58
P/S ratio2.500.87
P/B ratio2.335.76
PEG ratio3.4810.97
EV / EBITDA12.6519.90

Profitability

MetricCMSNRG
Gross margin64.61%17.07%
Operating margin19.53%3.00%
Net margin12.55%0.74%
ROE11.69%4.90%
ROIC3.67%7.00%

Dividends

MetricCMSNRG
Dividend yield3.03%1.35%
Payout ratio63.03%44.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMSNRG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.66%16.42%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.90%14.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-16.59%-13.77%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.05%33.27%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CMS or NRG?
It depends on your goal. value: CMS (lower P/E); growth: NRG (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CMS (higher dividend yield); quality: NRG (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CMS leads 9 to 6.
Is CMS or NRG cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CMS is cheaper: CMS trades at a 20.10 P/E and NRG at 158.89.
Which has grown faster, CMS or NRG?
Over the past five years, NRG grew revenue faster — CMS at a 5.66% CAGR versus NRG at 16.42%.
Does CMS or NRG pay a bigger dividend?
CMS yields 3.03% and NRG yields 1.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CMS or NRG more profitable?
CMS runs the higher net margin — CMS at 12.55% versus NRG at 0.74%.
Which has been the better investment, CMS or NRG?
Over the past 10-year, NRG delivered the higher annualized total return — CMS at 8.45% versus NRG at 27.69%. 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 20, 2026.