CMS vs. TLN: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at CMS and TLN, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
| Symbol | CMS | TLN |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | CMS Energy Corporation | Talen Energy Corporation |
| Country | United States | United States |
| GICS Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| GICS Industry | Multi-Utilities | Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers |
| Market Capitalization | 22.57 billion USD | 17.01 billion USD |
| Exchange | NYSE | NasdaqGS |
| Listing Date | February 21, 1973 | June 2, 2023 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | Common Stock |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of CMS and TLN by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | CMS | TLN |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -0.51% | -8.31% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 3.37% | -4.47% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 8.24% | 49.71% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 10.46% | 74.76% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 1.24% | -9.72% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 11.72% | 79.14% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 2.74M | 0.96M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 2.34M | 1.06M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 13.96% | 41.27% |
| Beta | 0.48 | 1.37 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
CMS
12.38%
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 20.00%
- Q3
- 13.72%
- Median
- 9.49%
- Q1
- 7.74%
- Min
- -0.57%
CMS’s Return on Equity of 12.38% is on par with the norm for the Multi-Utilities industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
TLN
17.11%
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 25.91%
- Q3
- 13.97%
- Median
- 8.39%
- Q1
- 4.74%
- Min
- -8.56%
In the upper quartile for the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry, TLN’s Return on Equity of 17.11% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
CMS
13.23%
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 22.58%
- Q3
- 14.93%
- Median
- 9.68%
- Q1
- 4.19%
- Min
- -1.14%
CMS’s Net Profit Margin of 13.23% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Multi-Utilities industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
TLN
9.83%
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 23.58%
- Q3
- 14.86%
- Median
- 11.17%
- Q1
- 5.63%
- Min
- -2.06%
TLN’s Net Profit Margin of 9.83% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
CMS
23.08%
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 45.31%
- Q3
- 26.29%
- Median
- 19.25%
- Q1
- 7.66%
- Min
- -0.18%
CMS’s Operating Profit Margin of 23.08% is around the midpoint for the Multi-Utilities industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
TLN
10.40%
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 34.36%
- Q3
- 24.29%
- Median
- 14.23%
- Q1
- 10.71%
- Min
- 4.97%
TLN’s Operating Profit Margin of 10.40% is in the lower quartile for the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry. This indicates weaker profitability from core operations, which may stem from inefficiencies or competitive pressures on pricing.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | CMS | TLN |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 12.38% | 17.11% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 2.83% | 3.78% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 13.23% | 9.83% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 23.08% | 10.40% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 31.86% | 63.64% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
CMS
0.90
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 1.23
- Q3
- 1.11
- Median
- 0.93
- Q1
- 0.87
- Min
- 0.51
CMS’s Current Ratio of 0.90 aligns with the median group of the Multi-Utilities industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
TLN
2.29
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 1.55
- Q3
- 1.27
- Median
- 0.78
- Q1
- 0.66
- Min
- 0.37
TLN’s Current Ratio of 2.29 is exceptionally high, placing it well outside the typical range for the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry. This indicates a very strong liquidity position, though such a high ratio may also suggest that the company is not using its assets efficiently to generate profits.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
CMS
2.04
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 3.16
- Q3
- 2.03
- Median
- 1.56
- Q1
- 1.21
- Min
- 0.58
CMS’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Multi-Utilities industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 2.04. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
TLN
2.03
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 4.11
- Q3
- 2.70
- Median
- 1.78
- Q1
- 1.07
- Min
- 0.18
TLN’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 2.03 is typical for the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
CMS
2.73
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 9.98
- Q3
- 5.96
- Median
- 3.48
- Q1
- 2.74
- Min
- 0.59
In the lower quartile for the Multi-Utilities industry, CMS’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.73 indicates a tighter cushion for servicing debt, suggesting less financial flexibility than many of its competitors.
TLN
28.78
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 10.03
- Q3
- 6.97
- Median
- 2.59
- Q1
- 1.35
- Min
- -1.62
With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 28.78, TLN demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | CMS | TLN |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 0.90 | 2.29 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 0.57 | 1.72 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 2.04 | 2.03 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 2.73 | 28.78 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
CMS
2.89%
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 6.29%
- Q3
- 4.88%
- Median
- 3.66%
- Q1
- 2.95%
- Min
- 1.67%
CMS’s Dividend Yield of 2.89% is in the lower quartile for the Multi-Utilities industry. This suggests the company’s strategy likely favors retaining earnings for growth over providing a high dividend income.
TLN
0.00%
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 8.60%
- Q3
- 5.18%
- Median
- 3.40%
- Q1
- 1.95%
- Min
- 0.00%
TLN currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
CMS
62.27%
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 110.63%
- Q3
- 96.69%
- Median
- 74.83%
- Q1
- 57.12%
- Min
- 31.93%
CMS’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 62.27% is within the typical range for the Multi-Utilities industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
TLN
0.00%
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 127.17%
- Q3
- 82.67%
- Median
- 41.34%
- Q1
- 23.02%
- Min
- 0.00%
TLN has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | CMS | TLN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 2.89% | 0.00% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 62.27% | 0.00% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
CMS
21.54
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 29.37
- Q3
- 20.20
- Median
- 17.94
- Q1
- 10.63
- Min
- 5.90
A P/E Ratio of 21.54 places CMS in the upper quartile for the Multi-Utilities industry. This high valuation relative to peers suggests the market holds elevated expectations for the company’s future growth.
TLN
74.53
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 43.83
- Q3
- 23.74
- Median
- 11.48
- Q1
- 8.49
- Min
- 5.02
At 74.53, TLN’s P/E Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical maximum for the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry. This suggests the stock may be significantly overvalued compared to its peers and implies high market expectations that could be difficult to meet.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
CMS
2.85
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 5.04
- Q3
- 3.47
- Median
- 2.06
- Q1
- 0.49
- Min
- 0.28
CMS’s P/S Ratio of 2.85 aligns with the market consensus for the Multi-Utilities industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
TLN
7.33
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 7.33
- Q3
- 3.80
- Median
- 2.27
- Q1
- 0.91
- Min
- 0.45
TLN’s P/S Ratio of 7.33 is in the upper echelon for the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry. This means the company is valued richly on its revenue stream compared to its peers, suggesting the stock is priced for a high level of future performance.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
CMS
2.47
Multi-Utilities Industry
- Max
- 2.71
- Q3
- 2.22
- Median
- 1.53
- Q1
- 1.27
- Min
- 0.88
CMS’s P/B Ratio of 2.47 is in the upper tier for the Multi-Utilities industry. This indicates that investors are paying a premium relative to the company’s net assets, a valuation that hinges on its ability to generate superior profits.
TLN
13.23
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers Industry
- Max
- 3.68
- Q3
- 2.10
- Median
- 1.38
- Q1
- 0.89
- Min
- 0.38
At 13.23, TLN’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | CMS | TLN |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 21.54 | 74.53 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 2.85 | 7.33 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 2.47 | 13.23 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 163.40 | 29.60 |