CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
CNP
CenterPoint Energy Inc
$37.84
-0.37%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.18B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$140.78
-0.26%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 100% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $9.62B). VST leads profitability with a 11.6% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. CNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
CNP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
VST
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-71.8%
Fair Value
$22.11
Current Price
$37.84
$15.73 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.5%
Earnings expanding 23.3% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 15.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.5%
Earnings declined 6.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNP
The strongest argument for CNP centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNP
The primary concerns for CNP are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.14 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNP profiles as a value stock while VST is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
CNP is growing revenue faster at 10.7% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 54/100) and 10.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
CenterPoint Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 electric and natural gas utility serving several markets in the American states of Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?