CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) vs FirstEnergy Corp. (FE)

A side-by-side comparison of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and FirstEnergy Corp. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCNP vs FE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CNP +881.8%FE +727.8%CNP compounded faster
02004006008001kStart $100200120062011201620212026$982$828
CNP FE

CNP vs FE: by the numbers

  • CNP is the larger company ($28.85B vs $28.72B market cap).
  • FE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (26.87 vs 27.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CNP converts more revenue to profit (11.61% vs 6.86% net margin).
  • FE grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.52% vs 3.85% CAGR).
  • FE pays the higher dividend yield (3.65% vs 2.04%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNPFE
P/E ratio27.0026.87
Forward P/E23.0418.04
P/S ratio3.081.84
P/B ratio2.532.26
PEG ratio12.546.14
EV / EBITDA14.3012.65
FCF yieldN/A6.27%

Profitability

MetricCNPFE
Gross margin28.71%53.77%
Operating margin23.24%18.72%
Net margin11.61%6.86%
ROE9.53%8.42%
ROIC3.96%4.46%

Dividends

MetricCNPFE
Dividend yield2.04%3.65%
Payout ratio55.90%101.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNPFE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.85%7.52%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.11%-2.32%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A7.07%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.20%9.24%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNP or FE?
FE has the lower trailing P/E: CNP trades at 27.00 and FE at 26.87. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CNP or FE?
Over the past five years, FE grew revenue faster — CNP at a 3.85% CAGR versus FE at 7.52%.
Does CNP or FE pay a bigger dividend?
CNP yields 2.04% and FE yields 3.65% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNP or FE more profitable?
CNP runs the higher net margin — CNP at 11.61% versus FE at 6.86%.
How have CNP and FE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CNP delivered 9.71% and FE delivered 7.81% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.