Ameren (AEE) vs CMS Energy (CMS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Ameren (AEE) has outperformed CMS Energy (CMS) over the past year, losing 2.5% versus a loss of 11.8%. Over five years, AEE leads with a +22.6% price change compared with +8.3% for CMS. Ameren is the larger company by market cap ($28.05 billion vs $20.40 billion), about 1.4 times the size.
On valuation, CMS Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (15.7x vs 17.5x for Ameren). CMS Energy offers the higher dividend yield (3.42% vs 2.88%). Ameren converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.6% versus 12.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AEE | CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $101.32 | $65.07 |
| Market cap | $28.05B | $20.40B |
| 1-day change | -0.35% | 0.00% |
| YTD return | +2.11% | -6.95% |
| 1-year return | -2.52% | -11.78% |
| 5-year return | +22.59% | +8.29% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.84 | 19.54 |
| Forward P/E | 17.47 | 15.66 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.68 | $3.33 |
| Dividend yield | 2.88% | 3.42% |
| Annual dividend | $2.92 | $2.23 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.80B | $8.54B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +15.43% | +13.63% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.46B | $1.07B |
| Operating margin | 23.03% | 20.22% |
| Net margin | 16.60% | 12.54% |
| 52-week high | $118.32 | $80.36 |
| 52-week low | $96.57 | $62.29 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.37% | -19.03% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.34% | +19.23% |
| Average volume | 1.63M | 3.71M |
| Shares outstanding | 276.84M | 313.58M |
| Employees | 8,913 | 8,350 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Power Generation | Power Generation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
About Ameren
AEE stock →Ameren Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission.
Utilities · Power Generation · 8,913 employees
About CMS Energy
CMS stock →CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and NorthStar Clean Energy.
Utilities · Power Generation · 8,350 employees
AEE vs CMS FAQ
Which is bigger, Ameren or CMS Energy?
Ameren (AEE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $28.05B compared with $20.40B for CMS Energy (CMS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEE or CMS?
AEE returned -2.52% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.78% for CMS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEE or CMS?
AEE has the lower trailing P/E at 17.8, versus 19.5 for CMS. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ameren or CMS Energy?
CMS Energy has the higher yield at 3.42%, compared with 2.88% for Ameren.
Are Ameren and CMS Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.