WallStSmart

NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsPure Cycle Corporation (PCYO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 105578% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $30.64M). PCYO leads profitability with a 45.8% profit margin vs 0.7%. PCYO trades at a lower P/E of 18.3x. PCYO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).

NRG

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.61

PCYO

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.77

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NRG2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4310/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.5%8/10

19.5% revenue growth

PCYO6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
45.8%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
52.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.8% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
29.4%8/10

Revenue surging 29.4% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.614/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.9%3/10

ROE of 4.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

PCYO3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$255.74M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.51M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : PCYO

The strongest argument for PCYO centers on Profit Margin, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.8% and operating margin at 5.1%. Revenue growth of 29.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : PCYO

The primary concerns for PCYO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PCYO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

PCYO is growing revenue faster at 29.4% — sustainability is the question.

PCYO generates stronger free cash flow (-5M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PCYO scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 45.8% margins and 29.4% 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.

Pure Cycle Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Pure Cycle Corporation designs, builds, operates and maintains water and wastewater systems in the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado Front Range in the United States. The company is headquartered in Watkins, Colorado.

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