Ameren (AEE) vs CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP) has outperformed Ameren (AEE) over the past year, losing 2.3% versus a loss of 3.1%. Over five years, CNP leads with a +44.0% price change compared with +21.8% for AEE. Ameren is the larger company by market cap ($28.05 billion vs $25.38 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Ameren trades at a lower forward P/E (17.5x vs 18.5x for CenterPoint Energy (Holding)). Ameren offers the higher dividend yield (2.88% vs 2.34%). Ameren converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.6% versus 11.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AEE | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $101.32 | $38.53 |
| Market cap | $28.05B | $25.38B |
| 1-day change | -0.35% | -0.08% |
| YTD return | +1.46% | +0.50% |
| 1-year return | -3.15% | -2.28% |
| 5-year return | +21.81% | +44.04% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.90 | 22.80 |
| Forward P/E | 17.47 | 18.46 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.66 | $1.69 |
| Dividend yield | 2.88% | 2.34% |
| Annual dividend | $2.92 | $0.90 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.80B | $9.36B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +15.43% | +8.26% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.46B | $1.05B |
| Gross margin | — | 99.96% |
| Operating margin | 23.03% | 22.55% |
| Net margin | 16.60% | 11.24% |
| 52-week high | $118.32 | $45.26 |
| 52-week low | $96.57 | $36.37 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.37% | -14.87% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.34% | +16.95% |
| Average volume | 1.63M | 6.39M |
| Shares outstanding | 276.84M | 658.72M |
| Employees | 8,913 | 8,794 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Power Generation | Electric Utilities: Central |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- CenterPoint Energy (Holding) trades at a higher earnings multiple (22.8x vs 17.9x trailing P/E).
- Ameren is more profitable, keeping 16.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 11.2 cents for CenterPoint Energy (Holding).
- Ameren grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+15.43% vs +8.26%).
About Ameren
AEE stock →Ameren Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission.
Utilities · Power Generation · 8,913 employees
About CenterPoint Energy (Holding)
CNP stock →CenterPoint Energy, Inc. operates as a public utility holding company in the United States.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 8,794 employees
AEE vs CNP FAQ
Which is bigger, Ameren or CenterPoint Energy (Holding)?
Ameren (AEE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $28.05B compared with $25.38B for CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEE or CNP?
CNP returned -2.28% over the past 12 months, compared with -3.15% for AEE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEE or CNP?
AEE has the lower trailing P/E at 17.9, versus 22.8 for CNP. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ameren or CenterPoint Energy (Holding)?
Ameren has the higher yield at 2.88%, compared with 2.34% for CenterPoint Energy (Holding).
Are Ameren and CenterPoint Energy (Holding) in the same industry?
Both are in the Utilities sector, but in different industries: Power Generation for Ameren and Electric Utilities: Central for CenterPoint Energy (Holding).