CMS vs NGG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NGG (National Grid plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NGG offers the higher yield at 3.80%, CMS has the higher dividend-safety score, and NGG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).
Key facts: CMS vs NGG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, National Grid plc (NGG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.80%, versus 3.21% for CMS Energy Corporation (CMS).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CMS's dividend safety A (82/100) and NGG's C (51/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CMS has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years and NGG for 0.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CMS pays out 80% of its earnings as dividends and NGG pays out 72%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CMS's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and NGG's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price, so NGG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CMS vs NGG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cms-vs-ngg
| Metric | CMS | NGG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.21% | 3.80% |
| Annual dividend | $2.28 | $3.24 |
| Payout ratio | 80% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 18 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.9% | -0.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 19% | 27% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 51 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $60.04 | $100.21 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | +16% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $22.2B | $86.9B |
| P/E ratio | 25.3 | 19.7 |
Higher yield
NGG
3.80%
Safer dividend
CMS
Grade A
Faster growth
CMS
5.9%
Better value
NGG
+16% upside
CMS vs NGG — FAQ
Is CMS or NGG a better dividend stock?
On the data, NGG wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NGG offers the higher yield (3.80%), while CMS 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 NGG?
NGG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.80%, versus 3.21% for CMS.
Is CMS or NGG safer?
CMS has the higher dividend-safety score (82/100 vs 51/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CMS or NGG better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NGG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). 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.