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

FE leads on 11 of 16 compared metrics.

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 June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CNP vs FE

growth of $100 · last 30y
CNP +120.1%FE +124.0%FE compounded faster
0100200300400Start $100200120062011201620212026$220$224
CNP FE

CNP vs FE: by the numbers

  • CNP is the larger company ($28.06B vs $27.20B market cap).
  • FE trades at the lower earnings multiple (25.63 vs 26.32 P/E).
  • CNP converts more revenue to profit (11.38% vs 6.86% net margin).
  • FE grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.52% vs 3.83% CAGR).
  • FE pays the higher dividend yield (3.83% vs 2.10%).

Which is better, CNP or FE?

Metric tally: CNP 5 · FE 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueFE(lower P/E)
GrowthFE(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeFE(higher dividend yield)
QualityFE(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCNPFE
P/E ratio26.3225.63
Forward P/E20.6115.97
P/S ratio3.001.76
P/B ratio2.472.16
PEG ratio12.536.15
EV / EBITDA13.6612.32
FCF yield6.58%

Profitability

MetricCNPFE
Gross margin41.30%53.77%
Operating margin22.51%18.72%
Net margin11.38%6.86%
ROE9.35%8.42%
ROIC3.96%4.46%

Dividends

MetricCNPFE
Dividend yield2.10%3.83%
Payout ratio55.90%101.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNPFE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.83%7.52%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.11%-2.32%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-7.60%7.07%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.21%8.26%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CNP or FE?
It depends on your goal. value: FE (lower P/E); growth: FE (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: FE (higher dividend yield); quality: FE (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FE leads 11 to 5.
Is CNP or FE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, FE is cheaper: CNP trades at a 26.32 P/E and FE at 25.63.
Which has grown faster, CNP or FE?
Over the past five years, FE grew revenue faster — CNP at a 3.83% CAGR versus FE at 7.52%.
Does CNP or FE pay a bigger dividend?
CNP yields 2.10% and FE yields 3.83% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNP or FE more profitable?
CNP runs the higher net margin — CNP at 11.38% versus FE at 6.86%.
Which has been the better investment, CNP or FE?
Over the past 10-year, CNP delivered the higher annualized total return — CNP at 9.78% versus FE at 7.77%. 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 June 13, 2026.