WallStSmart

MDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 1710% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $1.83B). MDU leads profitability with a 10.7% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. MDU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

MDU

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.89

NRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.61

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MDU2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
47.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 47.2% YoY

NRG1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

MDU4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.364/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.614/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.6%3/10

2.6% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-85.6%2/10

Earnings declined 85.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MDU

The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.

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 : MDU

The primary concerns for MDU 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

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 GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MDU scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100). 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.

MDU Resources Group Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

MDU Resources Group, Inc. is involved in the regulated power supply and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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?