Central Securities Corp. (CET) P/E Ratio History
Fairly ValuedTrading at 5.6x, near 5Y avg of 5.2x · 67th percentile · In line with own history · Data 2020–2025
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P/E Ratio Analysis
As of June 24, 2026, Central Securities Corp. (CET) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.6x, with a stock price of $51.60 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $19.05.
The current P/E is roughly in line with its 5-year average of 5.2x. Over the past five years, CET's P/E has ranged from a low of 2.5x to a high of 11.3x, placing the current valuation at the 67th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Financial Services sector median P/E of 13.9x, CET trades at a 59% discount to its sector peers. The sector includes 801 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.0x to 181.8x.
The PEG ratio of 0.21 (P/E divided by -10% EPS growth) suggests the stock may be undervalued relative to its earnings growth. Peter Lynch popularized the rule that a PEG below 1.0 indicates an attractive entry point.
Relative to the broader market, CET trades at a notable discount to the S&P 500 median P/E of 24.6x. Investors should consider the company's growth prospects, competitive position, and earnings quality when evaluating whether the current valuation is justified.
For a comprehensive intrinsic value estimate using discounted cash flow analysis, see our CET DCF Valuation Calculator →
Note: P/E ratio is just one valuation metric. It does not account for balance sheet strength, cash flow quality, or growth sustainability. Always conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
CET Cross-Benchmark Valuation
How does the current P/E compare to sector peers and the broader market?
CET P/E vs Peers
Closed-end funds and investment trusts peers sorted by market cap
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1B | 5.8 | - | -36% | |
| $370M | 9.4 | - | -26% | |
| $2B | 5.6 | - | +30% | |
| $1B | 1.6Lowest | 0.05Best | +483%Best | |
| $192M | 3.9 | 3.82 | +49% | |
| $18B | 37.1 | - | +7% | |
| $1B | 12.3 | - | +29% |
Lower P/E can signal a discount or weaker growth expectations; PEG adds growth context.
CET Historical P/E Data (2020–2025)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Period End | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 Q4 | Dec 31 2025 | $50.71 | $19.22 | 2.6x | -50% |
| FY2025 Q2 | Jun 30 2025 | $47.86 | $17.71 | 2.7x | -48% |
| FY2024 Q4 | - | $45.69 | $18.00 | 2.5x | -52% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Jun 30 2024 | $44.02 | $16.58 | 2.7x | -49% |
| FY2023 Q4 | Dec 31 2023 | $37.77 | $11.30 | 3.3x | -36% |
| FY2023 Q2 | Jun 30 2023 | $36.51 | $8.23 | 4.4x | -15% |
| FY2022 Q4 | Dec 31 2022 | $33.39 | $5.33 | 6.3x | +19% |
| FY2022 Q2 | - | $35.21 | $3.96 | 8.9x | +69% |
| FY2021 Q4 | Dec 31 2021 | $44.58 | $3.96 | 11.3x | +115% |
| FY2021 Q2 | Jun 30 2021 | $42.19 | $4.00 | 10.5x | +101% |
| FY2020 Q4 | - | $32.64 | $9.90 | 3.3x | -37% |
| FY2020 Q2 | - | $28.85 | $6.56 | 4.4x | -16% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 5.2x
Intrinsic Valuation
DCF models, multiple analysis, and analyst estimates.
Historical Returns
6+ years return with dividends reinvested.
DCA Calculator
See how regular investing compounds over time.
Peer Comparison
Compare growth, multiples, and margins vs sector.
CET — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CET stock.
What is CET's P/E ratio?
Central Securities Corp. (CET) trailing twelve-month P/E ratio is 5.6x, based on TTM diluted EPS of $19.05. The 5-year average P/E is 5.2x and the historical range spans 2.5x to 11.3x.
Is CET stock overvalued or undervalued?
CET trades at 5.6x P/E, near its 5-year average of 5.2x. The 67th percentile ranking within the 2.5x–11.3x historical range places valuation within normal bounds.
Is CET stock expensive?
CET is fairly valued relative to its own history. The current P/E of 5.6x is near the 5-year average of 5.2x (67th percentile of historical range).
What is CET's historical P/E range?
Over the past 5 years, CET's P/E ratio has ranged from 2.5x to 11.3x, with a median of 4.4x and an average of 5.2x. The current P/E of 5.6x places the stock at the 67th percentile of this range. Full historical data spans 2020–2025.
How does CET's P/E compare to the S&P 500?
CET trades at 5.6x P/E versus the S&P 500 median of 24.6x. The 77% discount to the market suggests lower growth expectations or perceived higher risk.
How does CET's valuation compare to Financial Services peers?
Central Securities Corp. P/E of 5.6x compares to the Financial Services sector median of 13.9x. The discount suggests lower growth expectations, weaker margins, or higher perceived risk relative to peers. See the peer comparison table on this page for ticker-by-ticker P/E and PEG.
What is CET's PEG ratio?
CET PEG ratio is 0.21, based on a P/E of 5.6x and EPS growth of -9.8%. A PEG below 1.0 indicates the valuation is supported by the earnings growth rate — typically considered attractive.
What is CET's earnings yield?
CET earnings yield is 17.73%, the inverse of its 5.6x P/E ratio. Earnings yield represents the percentage of each dollar invested that the company earns. It can be compared directly to bond yields to assess relative attractiveness of stocks versus fixed income.