NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsNorthwest Natural Gas Co (NWN)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$155.58
+4.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $31.65B
NWN
Northwest Natural Gas Co
$53.12
-0.47%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.24B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 2282% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $1.29B). NWN leads profitability with a 8.8% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. NWN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
NRG
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
NWN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+59.0%
Fair Value
$391.91
Current Price
$155.58
$236.33 discount
Margin of Safety
+32.4%
Fair Value
$72.25
Current Price
$53.12
$19.13 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%
Earnings expanding 24.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NWN
The strongest argument for NWN centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : NWN
The primary concerns for NWN are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
NRG is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.
NWN generates stronger free cash flow (-131M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NWN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 54/100). NRG offers better value entry with a 59.0% 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.
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.
Northwest Natural Gas Co
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Northwest Natural Holding Company, through its subsidiary, Northwest Natural Gas Company, provides regulated natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
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