H2O America (HTO)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
HTO
H2O America
$57.43
+1.56%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.39B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$133.36
+3.93%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 3867% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $816.28M). HTO leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. HTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
HTO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
NRG
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+14.5%
Fair Value
$60.78
Current Price
$57.43
$3.35 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 21.5%
Growing faster than its price suggests
19.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.9% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
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. Revenue growth of 19.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : HTO
The primary concerns for HTO are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
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
HTO 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.
HTO generates stronger free cash flow (-49M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HTO scores higher overall (57/100 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.
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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