Apple Inc (AAPL)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
AAPL
Apple Inc
$252.62
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.70T
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$151.04
-0.06%
UTILITIES · Cap: $32.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Apple Inc generates 1318% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $30.71B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.0% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
AAPL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRG
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+11.8%
Fair Value
$285.39
Current Price
$252.62
$32.77 discount
Margin of Safety
-490.6%
Fair Value
$27.20
Current Price
$151.04
$123.84 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%
Generating 51.6B in free cash flow
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
15.7% revenue growth
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 1.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AAPL
The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AAPL
The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AAPL profiles as a growth stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
AAPL is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AAPL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 27.0% margins and 15.7% 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.
Apple Inc
TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Visit Website →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.
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