WallStSmart

Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 387% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $6.30B). EW leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. EW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

EW

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9

NRG

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

EWUndervalued (+69.7%)

Margin of Safety

+69.7%

Fair Value

$261.90

Current Price

$79.96

$181.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $261.90Overvalued
NRGUndervalued (+58.9%)

Margin of Safety

+58.9%

Fair Value

$391.20

Current Price

$138.11

$253.09 discount

UndervaluedFair: $391.20Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

EW2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

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

Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit

Areas to Watch

EW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.044/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
44.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-21.10M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
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%

P/E RatioValuation
157.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : EW

The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 31.2%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NRG

The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : EW

The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.7x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : NRG

The primary concerns for NRG are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 157.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.

EW is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

EW generates stronger free cash flow (-21M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

EW scores higher overall (61/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. NRG offers better value entry with a 58.9% 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.

Edwards Lifesciences Corp

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA

Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.

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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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