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.
CMS
CMS Energy Corporation
$65.34UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NRG
NRG Energy, Inc.
$103.66UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CMS vs NRG
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCMS +110.9% (+7.7%/yr)NRG +1064.5% (+27.8%/yr)NRG compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
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
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.33 | 27.21 |
| Forward P/E | 16.88 | 11.66 |
| P/S ratio | 2.32 | 0.60 |
| P/B ratio | 2.10 | 4.50 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.87 | 10.79 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 1.59% |
Profitability
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.91% | 16.42% |
| Operating margin | 18.95% | 5.38% |
| Net margin | 11.64% | 2.31% |
| ROE | 10.50% | 17.49% |
| ROIC | 3.41% | 5.38% |
Dividends
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.35% | 1.64% |
| Payout ratio | 66.64% | 48.95% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CMS Energy P/E ratioNRG Energy P/E ratioCMS Energy dividend yieldNRG Energy dividend yieldCMS Energy ROENRG Energy ROECMS Energy operating marginNRG Energy operating marginCMS Energy revenue growthNRG Energy revenue growthCMS Energy free cash flowNRG Energy free cash flow
CMS Energy & NRG Energy 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.