CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP) reported fourth-quarter results on Thursday that narrowly missed analyst expectations for earnings but highlighted an unprecedented acceleration in energy demand across the Greater Houston area.
The utility company posted fourth-quarter net income of $264 million, or 40 cents per share.
On an adjusted basis, earnings were 45 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents by a penny.
While profitability was slightly dampened by higher interest expenses and increased operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, revenue surged to $2.51 billion, comfortably beating forecasts of $2.35 billion.
The primary narrative for the quarter was the relentless growth of the Texas power grid.
CenterPoint announced that it now expects to hit a 50% increase in peak electric load demand by 2029—two full years earlier than its previous 2031 forecast.
This rapid climb is being fueled by an influx of data centers, life sciences facilities, and a massive expansion of the Port of Houston.
For the full year 2025, CenterPoint reported a profit of $1.05 billion on $9.36 billion in revenue.
Non-GAAP EPS reached $1.76, a 9% increase over 2024, marking the fourth time in five years the company has delivered top-tier industry growth.
Looking toward 2026, CenterPoint reiterated its adjusted earnings guidance range of $1.89 to $1.91 per share, targeting approximately 8% growth.