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CNP vs DUK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CenterPoint Energy (CNP) vs. Duke Energy (DUK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CenterPoint Energy (CNP) delivered strong Q2 2026 results with adjusted EPS of $0.40, exceeding estimates, and reaffirmed full-year guidance of $1.89–$1.91.
- Duke Energy (DUK) trades near $125.43 with YTD performance of approximately 8.86%, ahead of its Q2 2026 earnings report scheduled for August 4.
- Both companies operate as regulated electric and gas utilities, benefiting from infrastructure investments and load growth in their service territories.
- CNP has shown slightly stronger year-to-date returns compared with DUK amid recent analyst upgrades and capital plan expansions.
- Market sentiment for CNP reflects positive earnings momentum, while DUK faces near-term focus on upcoming results and broader sector valuation considerations.
- Relative performance highlights trade-offs between CNP’s recent catalysts and DUK’s larger scale and established dividend profile.
Introduction
CenterPoint Energy (CNP) and Duke Energy (DUK) are two prominent regulated utilities frequently compared by investors seeking exposure to the energy infrastructure sector. This analysis examines their recent performance, business fundamentals, and market positioning to assist portfolio managers, income-focused investors, and traders evaluating relative opportunities within the utilities space. Both stocks trade on the NYSE and respond to similar macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, regulatory developments, and electricity demand trends. The comparison emphasizes verifiable developments from recent weeks while maintaining relevance for ongoing market conditions.
CNP Overview and Recent Performance
CenterPoint Energy (CNP) provides electric and natural gas services primarily in Texas, Indiana, and Ohio. In recent market activity, the company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings with adjusted EPS of $0.40, surpassing consensus estimates, alongside revenue growth of 10.7% year-over-year. It reaffirmed full-year 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance of $1.89–$1.91 and increased its 10-year capital plan. The stock closed at $42.04 on July 31, 2026, reflecting a year-to-date return of 10.86%. Recent analyst commentary and price target adjustments have supported positive sentiment tied to load growth and operational improvements.
DUK Overview and Recent Performance
Duke Energy (DUK) delivers electricity and natural gas across multiple southeastern and midwestern states, serving a broad customer base. In recent market activity, the stock has traded near $125.43 with a year-to-date return of 8.86% as of July 31, 2026. The company is scheduled to report Q2 2026 results on August 4, with analysts projecting EPS around $1.29. Broader performance reflects steady infrastructure investments and demand trends, though the shares have experienced modest near-term pressure amid sector rotation and pre-earnings positioning. Long-term returns remain supported by its established operations and capital expenditure programs.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
CenterPoint Energy (CNP) and Duke Energy (DUK) share regulated utility business models centered on electric and gas distribution, yet differ in geographic focus and scale. CNP’s recent earnings momentum and capital plan expansion contrast with DUK’s larger asset base and upcoming earnings release. Both benefit from sector tailwinds such as grid modernization and rising electricity demand, though CNP has posted modestly higher year-to-date returns. Risk factors include regulatory outcomes and interest-rate sensitivity for each, while market sentiment currently favors CNP’s demonstrated results over DUK’s pre-earnings caution. Investors may weigh CNP’s growth visibility against DUK’s established dividend stability and broader diversification.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including recent earnings delivery, trend consistency, and relative positioning, Tickeron’s AI would currently assign a modestly higher probability of favorable near-term momentum to CenterPoint Energy (CNP) over Duke Energy (DUK). This assessment reflects CNP’s verified Q2 outperformance and reaffirmed guidance versus DUK’s pending results and recent price softness. Outcomes remain probabilistic and subject to evolving market data.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CNP is a StrongBuy and DUK is a Hold.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CNP’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileDUK’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- CNP’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- DUK’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CNP’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while DUK’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNP’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- DUK’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CNP (@Electric Utilities) experienced а -5.66% price change this week, while DUK (@Electric Utilities) price change was -3.90% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was -2.85%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.50%, and the average quarterly price growth was +2.38%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNP is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
DUK is expected to report earnings on Aug 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (-2.85% weekly)Electric utilities companies generate, transmit and distribute electricity to businesses/offices and residences. Companies may be owned by the government or investors or public shareholders, or a combination thereof. The industry also includes firms that buy and sell electricity. Companies in this industry typically require significant investments in infrastructure. Many firms in this industry pay substantial and regular dividends to shareholders. However, changes in interest rates (and their impact on debt burdens), natural disasters and changing commodity prices could be factors affecting energy utilities’ profit margins. NextEra Energy, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Dominion Energy Inc. and Southern Company are among U.S. electric utilities companies with the largest market capitalizations.
| CNP | DUK | CNP / DUK | |
| Capitalization | 27.7B | 97.8B | 28% |
| EBITDA | 4B | 17.6B | 23% |
| Gain YTD | 10.859 | 8.857 | 123% |
| P/E Ratio | 25.02 | 19.30 | 130% |
| Revenue | 9.62B | 33.2B | 29% |
| Total Cash | 453M | 2.14B | 21% |
| Total Debt | 24.6B | 91.2B | 27% |
CNP | DUK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 68 | 15 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 68 Overvalued | 40 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 11 | 26 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 73 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 53 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 55 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DUK's Valuation (40) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as CNP (68). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to CNP’s over the last 12 months.
CNP's Profit vs Risk Rating (11) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (26). This means that CNP’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
CNP's SMR Rating (73) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (73). This means that CNP’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
DUK's Price Growth Rating (52) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as CNP (53). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to CNP’s over the last 12 months.
DUK's P/E Growth Rating (55) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as CNP (60). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to CNP’s over the last 12 months.
| CNP | DUK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 43% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 55% | 3 days ago 52% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 38% | 3 days ago 52% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 39% | 3 days ago 47% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 39% | 3 days ago 39% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 32% | 3 days ago 38% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 51% | 10 days ago 50% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 40% | 3 days ago 41% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 41% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 45% | 3 days ago 48% |
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CNP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNP has been closely correlated with WEC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CNP jumps, then WEC could also see price increases.