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

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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCNP vs PPL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CNP +125.7% (+8.5%/yr)PPL +50.3% (+4.2%/yr)CNP compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$226$150
CNP PPL

CNP vs PPL: by the numbers

  • CNP is the larger company ($25.02B vs $25.01B market cap).
  • PPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.66 vs 22.34 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • PPL converts more revenue to profit (13.47% vs 11.61% net margin).
  • PPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.98% vs 3.85% CAGR).
  • PPL pays the higher dividend yield (3.31% vs 2.35%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNPPPL
P/E ratio22.3419.66
Forward P/E19.8617.05
P/S ratio2.602.66
P/B ratio2.131.66
EV / EBITDA12.8311.93

Profitability

MetricCNPPPL
Gross margin28.71%42.73%
Operating margin23.24%24.02%
Net margin11.61%13.47%
ROE9.53%8.41%
ROIC4.14%4.24%

Dividends

MetricCNPPPL
Dividend yield2.35%3.31%
Payout ratio54.12%66.72%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNPPPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.85%8.98%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.11%-3.60%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-17.12%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.08%6.46%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNP or PPL?
PPL has the lower trailing P/E: CNP trades at 22.34 and PPL at 19.66. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CNP or PPL?
Over the past five years, PPL grew revenue faster — CNP at a 3.85% CAGR versus PPL at 8.98%.
Does CNP or PPL pay a bigger dividend?
CNP yields 2.35% and PPL yields 3.31% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNP or PPL more profitable?
PPL runs the higher net margin — CNP at 11.61% versus PPL at 13.47%.
How have CNP and PPL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CNP delivered 8.96% and PPL delivered 4.60% 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 13, 2026.