CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through Electric; Natural Gas; and Corporate and Other segments. The Electric segment provides electric transmission and distribution services to electric customers and electric generatio…
What to know about CNP
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a large Utilities company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and dividends, but health is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider CNP?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a large-cap Utilities company with a mixed overall financial profile — it ranks in the top quarter of its Utilities peers (2 of 31).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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This stock pays no dividend — your return depends entirely on the share price rising over time.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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Analyst sentiment is cautious and short interest is relatively elevated — meaning some professional investors are actively betting the price will fall. Worth understanding why.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Utilities sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how CNP compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 26.27 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 20.57 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 2.52 | Average |
| Price to Sales | 2.98 | Above avg |
| Price to Book | 2.45 | Above avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 14.15 | Above avg |
| Earnings Yield | 3.81% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 45.92% | Above avg |
| Operating Margin | 21.98% | Above avg |
| Net Profit Margin | 11.38% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 9.56% | Average |
| Return on Invested Capital | 2.84% | Below avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 1.90% | Below avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 0.13% | Below avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 6.70% | Average |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 0.42% | Average |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 1.17 | Average |
| Debt to Equity | 2.16 | Below avg |
| Interest Coverage | 2.38 | Below avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 0.88 | Below avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | — | N/A |
| Payout Ratio | — | N/A |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -6.68% | Above avg |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | -9.54% | Below avg |
| OCF to Sales | 25.05% | Above avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.46 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 19.02% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 7.63% | Below avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | — | N/A |
| Target Upside % | 7.43% | Average |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 28.01B | Average |
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