WallStSmart

Black Hills Corporation (BKH)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 1230% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $2.31B). BKH leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. BKH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

BKH

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.92

NRG

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BKHUndervalued (+16.7%)

Margin of Safety

+16.7%

Fair Value

$87.12

Current Price

$74.31

$12.81 discount

UndervaluedFair: $87.12Overvalued
NRGUndervalued (+59.0%)

Margin of Safety

+59.0%

Fair Value

$391.91

Current Price

$155.58

$236.33 discount

UndervaluedFair: $391.91Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BKH2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
26.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%

NRG1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
41.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit

Areas to Watch

BKH4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.9%4/10

0.9% earnings growth

PEG RatioValuation
2.732/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-101.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.922/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.704/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.3%3/10

Operating margin of 4.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BKH

The strongest argument for BKH centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

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 : BKH

The primary concerns for BKH are EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.

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.

BKH generates stronger free cash flow (-102M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BKH scores higher overall (57/100 vs 54/100). NRG offers better value entry with a 59.0% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

Black Hills Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Black Hills Corporation is a natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota.

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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