CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP) vs PPL (PPL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP) has outperformed PPL (PPL) over the past year, losing 2.0% versus a loss of 9.6%. Over five years, CNP leads with a +44.5% price change compared with +17.5% for PPL. PPL is the larger company by market cap ($25.55 billion vs $25.38 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while CenterPoint Energy (Holding) is growing revenue faster (+8.3% vs +6.9%).
On valuation, PPL trades at a lower forward P/E (16.0x vs 18.5x for CenterPoint Energy (Holding)). PPL offers the higher dividend yield (3.28% vs 2.34%). PPL converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.1% 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 | CNP | PPL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $38.53 | $33.95 |
| Market cap | $25.38B | $25.55B |
| 1-day change | -0.08% | +0.74% |
| YTD return | +0.83% | -3.21% |
| 1-year return | -1.95% | -9.59% |
| 5-year return | +44.52% | +17.49% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.80 | 20.09 |
| Forward P/E | 18.46 | 16.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.69 | $1.69 |
| Dividend yield | 2.34% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $0.90 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $9.36B | $9.04B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.26% | +6.85% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.05B | $1.18B |
| Gross margin | 99.96% | — |
| Operating margin | 22.55% | 23.55% |
| Net margin | 11.24% | 13.06% |
| 52-week high | $45.26 | $40.11 |
| 52-week low | $36.37 | $31.56 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.87% | -15.36% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.95% | +18.20% |
| Average volume | 6.40M | 7.47M |
| Shares outstanding | 658.72M | 752.54M |
| Employees | 8,794 | 6,546 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Utilities - Regulated Electric | Utilities - Regulated Electric |
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.
About CenterPoint Energy (Holding)
CNP stock →CenterPoint Energy, Inc. operates as a public utility holding company in the United States.
Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 8,794 employees
About PPL
PPL stock →PPL Corporation provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.6 million customers in the United States. It operates in three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated.
Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 6,546 employees
CNP vs PPL FAQ
Which is bigger, CenterPoint Energy (Holding) or PPL?
PPL (PPL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $25.55B compared with $25.38B for CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CNP or PPL?
CNP returned -1.95% over the past 12 months, compared with -9.59% for PPL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CNP or PPL?
PPL has the lower trailing P/E at 20.1, 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, CenterPoint Energy (Holding) or PPL?
PPL has the higher yield at 3.28%, compared with 2.34% for CenterPoint Energy (Holding).
Are CenterPoint Energy (Holding) and PPL in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Utilities - Regulated Electric industry within the Utilities sector.