American States Water Company (AWR)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
AWR
American States Water Company
$86.48
-1.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.50B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$113.46
+1.62%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 4649% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $697.48M). AWR leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AWR
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-9.1%
Fair Value
$65.05
Current Price
$86.48
$21.43 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.8%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 25.8% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 35.8%. Revenue growth of 11.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 4.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWR profiles as a mature stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 11.2% — sustainability is the question.
NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (66/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 11.2% 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.
American States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.
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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