NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsNorthWestern Corporation (NWE)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$102.73
-0.51%
UTILITIES · Cap: $21.71B
NWE
NorthWestern Corporation
$69.87
+0.06%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 1858% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $1.69B). NWE leads profitability with a 10.1% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. NWE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
NWE
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
Margin of Safety
-21.9%
Fair Value
$56.15
Current Price
$69.87
$13.72 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NWE
The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
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.
Bear Case : NWE
The primary concerns for NWE are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
NWE is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NWE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100) and 14.6% 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.
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.
NorthWestern Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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