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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCNP vs FE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CNP +127.4% (+8.6%/yr)FE +107.4% (+7.6%/yr)CNP compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$227$207
CNP FE

CNP vs FE: by the numbers

  • FE is the larger company ($26.69B vs $25.76B market cap).
  • CNP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.01 vs 24.59 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 (7.73% vs 3.85% CAGR).
  • FE pays the higher dividend yield (3.93% vs 2.35%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNPFE
P/E ratio23.0124.59
Forward P/E20.4516.89
P/S ratio2.681.69
P/B ratio2.202.06
EV / EBITDA13.0211.88

Profitability

MetricCNPFE
Gross margin28.71%53.43%
Operating margin23.24%18.57%
Net margin11.61%6.86%
ROE9.53%8.40%
ROIC4.14%4.43%

Dividends

MetricCNPFE
Dividend yield2.35%3.93%
Payout ratio54.12%97.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNPFE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.85%7.73%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.11%-2.32%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A122.43%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.09%8.50%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNP or FE?
CNP has the lower trailing P/E: CNP trades at 23.01 and FE at 24.59. 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 7.73%.
Does CNP or FE pay a bigger dividend?
CNP yields 2.35% and FE yields 3.93% 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 8.97% and FE delivered 7.92% 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 September 11, 2026.