CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) vs PPL Corporation (PPL)

PPL leads on 12 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and PPL Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CNP vs PPL

growth of $100 · last 30y
CNP +123.6%PPL +252.5%PPL compounded faster
0100200300400500Start $100200120062011201620212026$224$353
CNP PPL

CNP vs PPL: by the numbers

  • CNP is the larger company ($28.36B vs $27.37B market cap).
  • PPL trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.18 vs 26.60 P/E).
  • PPL converts more revenue to profit (13.09% vs 11.38% net margin).
  • PPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.87% vs 3.83% CAGR).
  • PPL pays the higher dividend yield (3.06% vs 2.08%).

Which is better, CNP or PPL?

Metric tally: CNP 4 · PPL 12

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValuePPL(lower P/E)
GrowthPPL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomePPL(higher dividend yield)
QualityPPL(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNPPPL
P/E ratio26.6022.18
Forward P/E20.8317.17
P/S ratio3.042.96
P/B ratio2.501.83
PEG ratio12.530.66
EV / EBITDA13.7412.21

Profitability

MetricCNPPPL
Gross margin41.30%35.20%
Operating margin22.51%23.53%
Net margin11.38%13.09%
ROE9.35%8.12%
ROIC3.96%4.07%

Dividends

MetricCNPPPL
Dividend yield2.08%3.06%
Payout ratio55.90%69.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNPPPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.83%8.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.11%-3.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-7.60%-4.92%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.00%8.68%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CNP or PPL?
It depends on your goal. value: PPL (lower P/E); growth: PPL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: PPL (higher dividend yield); quality: PPL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PPL leads 12 to 4.
Is CNP or PPL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PPL is cheaper: CNP trades at a 26.60 P/E and PPL at 22.18.
Which has grown faster, CNP or PPL?
Over the past five years, PPL grew revenue faster — CNP at a 3.83% CAGR versus PPL at 8.87%.
Does CNP or PPL pay a bigger dividend?
CNP yields 2.08% and PPL yields 3.06% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNP or PPL more profitable?
PPL runs the higher net margin — CNP at 11.38% versus PPL at 13.09%.
Which has been the better investment, CNP or PPL?
Over the past 10-year, CNP delivered the higher annualized total return — CNP at 9.95% versus PPL at 3.77%. 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 17, 2026.