WallStSmart

CVS Health Corp (CVS)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CVS Health Corp generates 1153% more annual revenue ($405.62B vs $32.38B). NRG leads profitability with a 0.7% profit margin vs 0.7%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.28. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

CVS

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.11

NRG

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.61
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CVSUndervalued (+45.3%)

Margin of Safety

+45.3%

Fair Value

$140.72

Current Price

$95.93

$44.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $140.72Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
63.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY

Market CapQuality
$128.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

NRG2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4310/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.5%8/10

19.5% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

CVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
3.8%3/10

ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.013/10

Elevated debt levels

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.614/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.9%3/10

ROE of 4.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CVS

The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. PEG of 0.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NRG

The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CVS

The primary concerns for CVS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 44.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : NRG

The primary concerns for NRG are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 136.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 4.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CVS profiles as a value stock while NRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.

NRG is growing revenue faster at 19.5% — sustainability is the question.

CVS generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 51/100). 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.

CVS Health Corp

HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA

CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?