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).
Total return — CMS vs NRG
growth of $100 · last 23yCMS +864.3%NRG +1302.5%NRG compounded faster
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 6It 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
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.10● | 158.89 |
| Forward P/E | 17.58 | — |
| P/S ratio | 2.50 | 0.87● |
| P/B ratio | 2.33● | 5.76 |
| PEG ratio | 3.48● | 10.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | 12.65● | 19.90 |
Profitability
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.61%● | 17.07% |
| Operating margin | 19.53%● | 3.00% |
| Net margin | 12.55%● | 0.74% |
| ROE | 11.69%● | 4.90% |
| ROIC | 3.67% | 7.00%● |
Dividends
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.03%● | 1.35% |
| Payout ratio | 63.03% | 44.74% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMS | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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 June 20, 2026.