CNP
UtilitiesCenterPoint Energy, Inc. · Diversified Utilities · $28B
What is CenterPoint Energy, Inc.?
CenterPoint Energy is a Houston-based public utility holding company delivering electric and natural gas services across multiple U.S. states. It has operated in the energy infrastructure space for well over a century, serving millions of customers.
The company earns revenue through two core segments: Electric and Natural Gas. The Electric segment covers transmission, distribution, and generation assets, including participation in wholesale power markets. The Natural Gas segment distributes gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and also offers home appliance maintenance, repair services, and home repair protection plans across several states. Regulated intrastate gas transportation and storage round out its operations.
CenterPoint Energy traces its corporate roots to 1866 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
- Electric transmission and distribution services
- Natural gas distribution across multiple U.S. states
- Intrastate natural gas transportation and storage
- Home appliance maintenance and repair services
- Home repair protection plans for natural gas customers
Is CNP a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates CNP as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed profile across its five analytical pillars.
Valuation stands out as the relative bright spot in CNP's profile, rated Good — suggesting the stock may not be pricing in excessive optimism relative to its fundamentals. Quality and Moat both register as Neutral, indicating a stable but undifferentiated utility business typical of regulated infrastructure operators.
Risk is the most notable drag, rated Weak — a meaningful flag for investors who prioritize capital preservation. Growth also sits at Neutral, consistent with the slow-moving nature of regulated utility expansion.
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Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does CNP pay dividends?
Yes — CenterPoint Energy, Inc. pays a dividend.
CenterPoint Energy pays a regular dividend, consistent with the income-oriented tradition of regulated utility companies. Utilities like CNP typically sustain dividends through predictable, rate-regulated cash flows rather than high-growth reinvestment. Investors seeking steady income often look to this sector, though CNP's Weak Risk rating is worth weighing alongside any income thesis.
When does CNP report earnings?
CenterPoint Energy reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, standard for U.S.-listed public companies.
As a regulated utility, CNP's quarterly results tend to reflect rate case outcomes, weather-driven demand, and capital investment activity rather than dramatic swings in revenue. The Neutral Quality and Growth pillar ratings suggest performance has been broadly in line with regulated-sector expectations.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit CenterPoint Energy's investor relations page directly.
CNP Price History
+88.5% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in CenterPoint Energy, Inc.?
Based on CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
CNP Long-term Outlook
CNP's Growth pillar at Neutral points to a trajectory consistent with regulated utility norms — incremental expansion tied to infrastructure investment and customer growth rather than outsized earnings acceleration. The Weak Risk rating introduces uncertainty around that outlook, potentially reflecting balance sheet leverage or regulatory exposure common in capital-intensive utility businesses. Valuation rated Good may offer some cushion, but the Risk profile tempers the forward picture.
Growth drivers
- Ongoing electric and gas infrastructure investment in served territories
- Regulated rate base expansion supporting predictable revenue growth
- Home services segment providing incremental non-commodity revenue
Key risks
- Weak Risk pillar signals elevated financial or operational vulnerability
- Regulatory rate case outcomes can compress or delay earnings recovery
- Capital-intensive business model creates ongoing refinancing exposure
CNP vs Peers
CenterPoint Energy operates in a competitive regulated utility landscape alongside several large-cap peers.
Fortis is a Canadian-based utility with a diversified North American footprint, offering investors exposure to both U.S. and Canadian regulated markets.
Edison International focuses primarily on electric utility operations in California, a market shaped by distinct regulatory and wildfire-risk dynamics.
FirstEnergy is a transmission-focused electric utility serving the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with its own distinct regulatory and financial history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CenterPoint Energy do?
CenterPoint Energy delivers electric transmission and distribution services alongside natural gas distribution across multiple U.S. states. It also provides home appliance maintenance, repair services, and home repair protection plans. The company operates regulated intrastate natural gas pipelines and storage assets, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Does CNP pay dividends?
Yes, CenterPoint Energy pays a regular dividend. Regulated utilities commonly return cash to shareholders through dividends, supported by predictable rate-regulated revenue streams. Investors should review the company's investor relations page for the current dividend rate and payment schedule.
When does CNP report earnings?
CenterPoint Energy follows a standard quarterly earnings cadence. Specific dates are announced in advance on the company's investor relations page, which is the most reliable source for upcoming reporting schedules.
Is CNP a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates CNP as Below Average overall. The Valuation pillar is rated Good, which may appeal to value-conscious investors, but the Weak Risk rating is a meaningful consideration. The complete pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members for a fuller picture.
Is CNP overvalued?
CNP's Valuation pillar is rated Good within the UQS framework, suggesting the stock is not trading at a significant premium relative to its fundamentals. That said, valuation should always be considered alongside the Risk and Quality profiles before drawing conclusions.
How does CNP compare to its competitors?
CNP competes with regulated utility peers including Fortis Inc., Edison International, and FirstEnergy Corp. Each operates in different geographic markets and regulatory environments. UQS Pro members can view side-by-side pillar comparisons to see how CNP stacks up on quality, growth, moat, risk, and valuation.
What is CNP's market cap bracket?
CenterPoint Energy is classified as a large-cap company, placing it among the more substantial publicly traded utilities in the U.S. market. Large-cap utilities often attract income-focused and lower-volatility investors.
Who founded CenterPoint Energy?
CenterPoint Energy's origins date to 1866, with the modern corporate entity taking shape over many decades of utility consolidation and restructuring. Detailed founding history is publicly available through the company's official website and corporate filings.
Is CNP a long-term quality investment?
As a long-term quality indicator, CNP's UQS profile is mixed. Neutral ratings across Quality, Moat, and Growth reflect a stable but undifferentiated business, while the Weak Risk pillar is a flag worth monitoring over a longer horizon. Regulated utilities can offer durability, but risk factors matter for multi-year holding decisions.
What is the main competitive advantage of CenterPoint Energy?
CenterPoint Energy's primary advantage lies in its regulated utility status — serving defined geographic territories under regulatory frameworks that limit direct competition. This provides revenue predictability, though it also constrains growth and exposes the company to rate case and regulatory risk.
What sector does CNP belong to?
CenterPoint Energy belongs to the Utilities sector. Utilities are generally characterized by regulated operations, capital-intensive infrastructure, and dividend-paying traditions. Explore other [top utility stocks](/sector/utilities) rated by UQS Score for sector-wide context.
Is CNP a growth stock or value stock?
Based on UQS pillar labels, CNP leans toward value territory — its Valuation pillar is rated Good while Growth sits at Neutral. This profile is typical of mature regulated utilities that prioritize income and stability over rapid earnings expansion.
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Pro Analysis
CNP — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | 42.8 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.3 | 7.8 | 67.1 | 0.0 |
| May 22, 2026 | 42.8 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.3 | 7.8 | 67.4 | -0.1 |
| May 21, 2026 | 42.9 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.3 | 7.8 | 67.5 | 0.0 |
| May 20, 2026 | 42.9 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.5 | 7.8 | 67.4 | -0.1 |
| May 17, 2026 | 43.0 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.5 | 7.8 | 68.0 | -0.1 |
| May 16, 2026 | 43.1 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.8 | 7.8 | 68.0 | +0.2 |
| May 15, 2026 | 42.9 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.8 | 7.8 | 67.3 | -0.1 |
| May 12, 2026 | 43.0 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.8 | 7.8 | 67.5 | 0.0 |
| May 11, 2026 | 43.0 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 46.8 | 7.8 | 67.9 | -1.1 |
| May 10, 2026 | 44.1 | 46.7 | 47.0 | 46.8 | 7.8 | 67.9 | -0.8 |
CNP — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 42.3/100 (25%)CenterPoint Energy, Inc. has average quality metrics, with room for improvement in margins or capital efficiency.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 46.3/100 (20%)CenterPoint Energy, Inc. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 7.8/100 (15%)CenterPoint Energy, Inc. presents elevated risk with concerns around leverage or financial stability.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 66.3/100 (15%)CenterPoint Energy, Inc. trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 47/100 (25%)CenterPoint Energy, Inc. possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for CNP.
Score Composition
Financial Data
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How is the CNP UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.