NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$133.36
+3.98%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.47B
SWX
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
$88.72
+1.78%
UTILITIES · Cap: $6.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 1720% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $1.78B). SWX leads profitability with a 26.1% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
NRG
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
SWX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
19.5% revenue growth
Strong operational efficiency at 37.9%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.9% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Revenue declined 21.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : SWX
The strongest argument for SWX centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.1% and operating margin at 37.9%.
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 : SWX
The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRG profiles as a growth stock while SWX is a declining 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.
SWX generates stronger free cash flow (-47M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 26.1% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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