H2O America (HTO)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
HTO
H2O America
$62.66
-0.59%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.69B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$113.46
+1.62%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 3898% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $828.50M). HTO leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
HTO
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+29.8%
Fair Value
$74.04
Current Price
$62.66
$11.38 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 21.3%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTO
The strongest argument for HTO centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 : HTO
The primary concerns for HTO are Return on Equity, Debt/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
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
NRG is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.
NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 55/100) and 11.0% revenue growth. HTO offers better value entry with a 29.8% 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.
H2O America
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
H2O America, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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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