California Water Service Group (CWT)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$48.22
-1.31%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.06B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$113.46
+1.62%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 3042% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $1.05B). CWT leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. CWT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CWT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.4%
Fair Value
$56.20
Current Price
$48.22
$7.98 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
16.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.5% 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 : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-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
CWT profiles as a growth 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.
CWT is growing revenue faster at 16.5% — sustainability is the question.
NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CWT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100) and 16.5% 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.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, 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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