Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
BKNG
Booking Holdings Inc
$4,237.75
-1.23%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $138.30B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$151.04
-0.06%
UTILITIES · Cap: $32.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 14% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $26.92B). BKNG leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs 2.8%. BKNG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. BKNG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
BKNG
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
NRG
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.4%
Fair Value
$7757.57
Current Price
$4237.75
$3519.82 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
Strong operational efficiency at 32.5%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 2.3% — below average capital efficiency
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 : BKNG
The strongest argument for BKNG centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.1% and operating margin at 32.5%. Revenue growth of 16.0% 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 : BKNG
The primary concerns for BKNG are 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
BKNG 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.
BKNG is growing revenue faster at 16.0% — sustainability is the question.
BKNG generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BKNG scores higher overall (78/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins and 16.0% revenue growth. 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.
Booking Holdings Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Booking Holdings Inc. is an American travel technology company organized in Delaware and based in Norwalk, Connecticut, that owns and operates several travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines including namesake and flagship Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, Kayak.com, Cheapflights, Rentalcars.com, Momondo, and OpenTable.
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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