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

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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCMS vs NRG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CMS +110.9% (+7.7%/yr)NRG +1064.5% (+27.8%/yr)NRG compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$211$1,164
CMS NRG

CMS vs NRG: by the numbers

  • NRG is the larger company ($21.87B vs $20.49B market cap).
  • CMS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.33 vs 27.21 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CMS converts more revenue to profit (11.64% vs 2.31% net margin).
  • NRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.13% vs 5.09% CAGR).
  • CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.35% vs 1.64%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMSNRG
P/E ratio19.3327.21
Forward P/E16.8811.66
P/S ratio2.320.60
P/B ratio2.104.50
EV / EBITDA13.8710.79
FCF yieldN/A1.59%

Profitability

MetricCMSNRG
Gross margin60.91%16.42%
Operating margin18.95%5.38%
Net margin11.64%2.31%
ROE10.50%17.49%
ROIC3.41%5.38%

Dividends

MetricCMSNRG
Dividend yield3.35%1.64%
Payout ratio66.64%48.95%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMSNRG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.09%15.13%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.90%14.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-16.59%-22.77%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.27%24.35%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CMS or NRG?
CMS has the lower trailing P/E: CMS trades at 19.33 and NRG at 27.21. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CMS or NRG?
Over the past five years, NRG grew revenue faster — CMS at a 5.09% CAGR versus NRG at 15.13%.
Does CMS or NRG pay a bigger dividend?
CMS yields 3.35% and NRG yields 1.64% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CMS or NRG more profitable?
CMS runs the higher net margin — CMS at 11.64% versus NRG at 2.31%.
How have CMS and NRG total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CMS delivered 8.14% and NRG delivered 28.22% 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.