CMS vs NEE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CMS offers the higher yield at 3.21%, NEE has the higher dividend-safety score, and NEE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price).
Key facts: CMS vs NEE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.21%, versus 2.82% for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CMS's dividend safety A (82/100) and NEE's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CMS has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years and NEE for 30.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CMS pays out 80% of its earnings as dividends and NEE pays out 44%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CMS's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and NEE's fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price, so NEE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CMS vs NEE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cms-vs-nee
| Metric | CMS | NEE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.21% | 2.82% |
| Annual dividend | $2.28 | $2.49 |
| Payout ratio | 80% | 44% |
| Years of growth | 18 yr | 30 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.9% | 10.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 19% | -4% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $60.04 | $94.96 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | +8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $22.2B | $184.7B |
| P/E ratio | 25.3 | 15.9 |
Higher yield
CMS
3.21%
Safer dividend
NEE
Grade A
Faster growth
NEE
10.1%
Better value
NEE
+8% upside
CMS vs NEE — FAQ
Is CMS or NEE a better dividend stock?
On the data, NEE wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CMS offers the higher yield (3.21%), while NEE has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CMS or NEE?
CMS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.21%, versus 2.82% for NEE.
Is CMS or NEE safer?
NEE has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CMS or NEE better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NEE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price (fairly valued). For CMS, its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.