Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
ATO
Atmos Energy Corporation
$163.19
-0.98%
UTILITIES · Cap: $28.40B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$113.46
+1.62%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 573% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $4.92B). ATO leads profitability with a 28.5% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. ATO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
ATO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 37.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 23.3% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.8% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ATO
The strongest argument for ATO centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.5% and operating margin at 37.2%.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ATO
The primary concerns for ATO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
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.
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 - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ATO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 28.5% 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.
Atmos Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the United States' largest natural-gas-only distributors.
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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