Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
AQN
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp
$6.16
-1.60%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.74B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$155.58
+4.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $31.65B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 1162% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $2.43B). AQN leads profitability with a 7.4% profit margin vs 2.8%. AQN trades at a lower P/E of 22.8x. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
AQN
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
NRG
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+71.3%
Fair Value
$22.99
Current Price
$6.16
$16.83 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.0%
Fair Value
$391.91
Current Price
$155.58
$236.33 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
1.7% revenue growth
ROE of 2.6% — below average capital efficiency
7.4% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AQN
The strongest argument for AQN centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AQN
The primary concerns for AQN are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
NRG is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.
AQN generates stronger free cash flow (-45M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NRG scores higher overall (54/100 vs 46/100) and 13.7% revenue growth. AQN offers better value entry with a 71.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. The company is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.
Visit Website →NRG Energy Inc.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
NRG Energy, Inc. is a large American energy company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. It was formerly the wholesale arm of Northern States Power Company (NSP), which became Xcel Energy, but became independent in 2000. NRG Energy is involved in energy generation and retail electricity.
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