MGE Energy Inc (MGEE)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
MGEE
MGE Energy Inc
$75.66
+2.44%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.93B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$133.36
+3.98%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 4216% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $750.39M). MGEE leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. MGEE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MGEE
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRG
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%
Growing faster than its price suggests
19.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : MGEE
The strongest argument for MGEE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 23.5%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MGEE
The primary concerns for MGEE are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
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
MGEE profiles as a mature 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.
MGEE generates stronger free cash flow (-20M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MGEE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins and 10.8% revenue growth. 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.
MGE Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
MGE Energy, Inc., is a utility holding company primarily in Wisconsin. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.
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.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?