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 August 1, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCNP vs PPL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CNP +837.8%PPL +1254.9%PPL compounded faster
05001k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$938$1,355
CNP PPL

CNP vs PPL: by the numbers

  • CNP is the larger company ($27.69B vs $26.49B market cap).
  • PPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.47 vs 24.73 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • PPL converts more revenue to profit (13.09% vs 11.61% net margin).
  • PPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.87% vs 3.85% CAGR).
  • PPL pays the higher dividend yield (3.17% vs 2.14%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNPPPL
P/E ratio24.7321.47
Forward P/E21.9918.05
P/S ratio2.912.86
P/B ratio2.391.78
PEG ratio12.540.98
EV / EBITDA7.6212.49

Profitability

MetricCNPPPL
Gross margin28.71%35.29%
Operating margin23.24%23.50%
Net margin11.61%13.09%
ROE9.53%8.12%
ROIC3.96%4.06%

Dividends

MetricCNPPPL
Dividend yield2.14%3.17%
Payout ratio55.90%70.13%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNPPPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.85%8.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.11%-3.60%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-4.92%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.36%8.20%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNP or PPL?
PPL has the lower trailing P/E: CNP trades at 24.73 and PPL at 21.47. 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 8.87%.
Does CNP or PPL pay a bigger dividend?
CNP yields 2.14% and PPL yields 3.17% 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 13.09%.
How have CNP and PPL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CNP delivered 9.20% and PPL delivered 3.77% 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 August 1, 2026.