CMS Energy (CMS) vs PPL (PPL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
PPL (PPL) has outperformed CMS Energy (CMS) over the past year, losing 9.6% versus a loss of 11.5%. Over five years, PPL leads with a +17.5% price change compared with +8.3% for CMS. PPL is the larger company by market cap ($25.55 billion vs $20.40 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while CMS Energy is growing revenue faster (+13.6% vs +6.9%).
On valuation, CMS Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (15.7x vs 16.0x for PPL). CMS Energy offers the higher dividend yield (3.42% vs 3.28%). PPL converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.1% 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 | CMS | PPL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $65.07 | $33.95 |
| Market cap | $20.40B | $25.55B |
| 1-day change | 0.00% | +0.74% |
| YTD return | -6.62% | -3.21% |
| 1-year return | -11.47% | -9.59% |
| 5-year return | +8.29% | +17.49% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.54 | 20.09 |
| Forward P/E | 15.66 | 16.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.33 | $1.69 |
| Dividend yield | 3.42% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $2.23 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.54B | $9.04B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +13.63% | +6.85% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.07B | $1.18B |
| Operating margin | 20.22% | 23.55% |
| Net margin | 12.54% | 13.06% |
| 52-week high | $80.36 | $40.11 |
| 52-week low | $62.29 | $31.56 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.03% | -15.36% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.23% | +18.20% |
| Average volume | 3.71M | 7.47M |
| Shares outstanding | 313.58M | 752.54M |
| Employees | 8,350 | 6,546 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Utilities - Regulated Electric | Utilities - Regulated Electric |
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.
Key differences
- CMS Energy grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+13.63% vs +6.85%).
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 · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 8,350 employees
About PPL
PPL stock →PPL Corporation provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.6 million customers in the United States. It operates in three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated.
Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 6,546 employees
CMS vs PPL FAQ
Which is bigger, CMS Energy or PPL?
PPL (PPL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $25.55B compared with $20.40B for CMS Energy (CMS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CMS or PPL?
PPL returned -9.59% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.47% for CMS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CMS or PPL?
CMS has the lower trailing P/E at 19.5, versus 20.1 for PPL. 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, CMS Energy or PPL?
CMS Energy has the higher yield at 3.42%, compared with 3.28% for PPL.
Are CMS Energy and PPL in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Utilities - Regulated Electric industry within the Utilities sector.