NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsNorthwest Natural Gas Co (NWN)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$96.93
+1.34%
UTILITIES · Cap: $21.71B
NWN
Northwest Natural Gas Co
$46.66
-0.02%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 2462% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $1.29B). NWN leads profitability with a 9.7% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
NWN
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
Margin of Safety
+16.9%
Fair Value
$58.77
Current Price
$46.66
$12.11 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
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 : NWN
The strongest argument for NWN centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
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 : NWN
The primary concerns for NWN are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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 - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 54/100) and 11.0% revenue growth. NWN offers better value entry with a 16.9% 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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