HLP
Hongli Group Inc.
Steel
Market Cap$62M
5Y Perf.-75.8%
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Stock Comparison
HLP vs CNEY
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CNEY
CN Energy Group. Inc.
Chemicals - Specialty
Market Cap$4M
5Y Perf.-88.8%
HLP vs CNEY — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | HLP | CNEY |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Steel | Chemicals - Specialty |
| Market Cap | $62M | $4M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $30M | $87M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-1M | $-25M |
| Gross Margin | 32.4% | -8.6% |
| Operating Margin | -1.9% | -26.1% |
| Total Debt | $9M | $3M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $910K | $391K |
HLP vs CNEY — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
HLP
CNEY
| Stock | Mar 23 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hongli Group Inc. (HLP) | 100 | 24.2 | -75.8% |
| CN Energy Group. In… (CNEY) | 100 | 11.2 | -88.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: HLP vs CNEY
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: HLP leads in 4 of 6 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. CN Energy Group. Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for capital preservation and lower volatility. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
HLP
Hongli Group Inc.
The Growth Play
HLP carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth -11.8%, EPS growth -134.8%, 3Y rev CAGR -13.4%
- -76.0% 10Y total return vs CNEY's -99.6%
- -11.8% revenue growth vs CNEY's -30.2%
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
CNEY
CN Energy Group. Inc.
The Income Pick
CNEY is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and sleep-well-at-night.
- beta 0.57
- Lower volatility, beta 0.57, Low D/E 3.4%, current ratio 13.90x
- Beta 0.57, current ratio 13.90x
Best for: income & stability and sleep-well-at-night
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | HLP | -11.8% revenue growth vs CNEY's -30.2% |
| Quality / Margins | HLP | -3.4% margin vs CNEY's -29.1% |
| Stability / Safety | CNEY | Beta 0.57 vs HLP's 0.81, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | HLP | -31.6% vs CNEY's -85.4% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | HLP | -1.6% ROA vs CNEY's -23.5%, ROIC -2.6% vs -8.2% |
HLP vs CNEY — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
HLP vs CNEY — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLHLPLAGGINGCNEY
CNEYCN Energy Group. Inc.
1leads
HLPHongli Group Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs CNEYMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
HLP4/5
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CNEY2/3
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
HLP5/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
HLP5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
HLP leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CNEY is the larger business by revenue, generating $87M annually — 2.9x HLP's $30M. HLP is the more profitable business, keeping -3.4% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to CNEY's -29.1%. On growth, HLP holds the edge at +0.9% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | HLPHongli Group Inc. | CNEYCN Energy Group. … |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $30M | $87M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1M | -$19M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$1M | -$25M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$2M | -$4M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +32.4% | -8.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -1.9% | -26.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -3.4% | -29.1% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -6.4% | -4.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +0.9% | -2.4% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | +94.2% |
HLP leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CNEY leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | HLPHongli Group Inc. | CNEYCN Energy Group. … |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $62M | $4M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $70M | $7M |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -32.85x | -0.03x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 4.38x | 0.11x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.15x | 0.00x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — |
CNEY leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HLP leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HLP delivers a -1.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $-2 in annual profit, vs $-25 for CNEY. CNEY carries lower financial leverage with a 0.03x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to HLP's 0.18x.
| Metric | HLPHongli Group Inc. | CNEYCN Energy Group. … |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -1.9% | -24.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -1.6% | -23.5% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -2.6% | -8.2% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -3.9% | -11.0% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 3 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.18x | 0.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $8M | $3M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $909,716 | $390,706 |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $9M | $3M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -0.00x | -29.77x |
HLP leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
HLP leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in HLP five years ago would be worth $2,403 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $54 for CNEY. Over the past 12 months, HLP leads with a -31.6% total return vs CNEY's -85.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors HLP at -29.5% vs CNEY's -51.2% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | HLPHongli Group Inc. | CNEYCN Energy Group. … |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -17.2% | +11.9% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -31.6% | -85.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -65.0% | -88.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -76.0% | -99.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -76.0% | -99.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -29.5% | -51.2% |
HLP leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — HLP and CNEY each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CNEY is the less volatile stock with a 0.57 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than HLP's 0.81 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. HLP currently trades 46.2% from its 52-week high vs CNEY's 9.6% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | HLPHongli Group Inc. | CNEYCN Energy Group. … |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.81x | 0.57x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $1.82 | $7.36 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $0.61 | $0.31 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +46.2% | +9.6% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 45.5 | 54.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 164K | 643K |
Evenly matched — HLP and CNEY each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
| Metric | HLPHongli Group Inc. | CNEYCN Energy Group. … |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | — |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | — |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
HLP leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). CNEY leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 1 tied.
Best OverallHongli Group Inc. (HLP)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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HLP vs CNEY: Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is HLP or CNEY a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Hongli Group Inc.
(HLP) is the stronger pick with -11. 8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -30. 2% for CN Energy Group. Inc. (CNEY). The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which is the better long-term investment — HLP or CNEY?
Over the past 5 years, Hongli Group Inc.
(HLP) delivered a total return of -76. 0%, compared to -99. 5% for CN Energy Group. Inc. (CNEY). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: HLP returned -76. 0% versus CNEY's -99. 6%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
03Which is safer — HLP or CNEY?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), CN Energy Group.
Inc. (CNEY) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 57β versus Hongli Group Inc. 's 0. 81β — meaning HLP is approximately 42% more volatile than CNEY relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, CN Energy Group. Inc. (CNEY) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 3% versus 18% for Hongli Group Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — HLP or CNEY?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Hongli Group Inc.
(HLP) is pulling ahead at -11. 8% versus -30. 2% for CN Energy Group. Inc. (CNEY). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: CN Energy Group. Inc. grew EPS 79. 2% year-over-year, compared to -134. 8% for Hongli Group Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CNEY leads at -4. 0% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
05Which has better profit margins — HLP or CNEY?
Hongli Group Inc.
(HLP) is the more profitable company, earning -13. 3% net margin versus -31. 3% for CN Energy Group. Inc. — meaning it keeps -13. 3% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: HLP leads at -11. 2% versus -30. 9% for CNEY. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — HLP leads at 32. 0%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
06Which pays a better dividend — HLP or CNEY?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
07Is HLP or CNEY better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, CN Energy Group.
Inc. (CNEY) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 57)). Both have compounded well over 10 years (CNEY: -99. 6%, HLP: -76. 0%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
08What are the main differences between HLP and CNEY?
Both stocks operate in the Basic Materials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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