WallStSmart

Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cardinal Health Inc generates 697% more annual revenue ($244.67B vs $30.71B). NRG leads profitability with a 2.8% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

CAH

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 8.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.30

NRG

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CAHUndervalued (+14.8%)

Margin of Safety

+14.8%

Fair Value

$263.37

Current Price

$211.31

$52.06 discount

UndervaluedFair: $263.37Overvalued
NRGSignificantly Overvalued (-490.6%)

Margin of Safety

-490.6%

Fair Value

$27.20

Current Price

$151.04

$123.84 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.20Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAH2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.8%8/10

18.8% revenue growth

NRG1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
41.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit

Areas to Watch

CAH4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

Operating margin of 1.2%

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.704/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.3%3/10

Operating margin of 4.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAH

The strongest argument for CAH centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.33 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : CAH

The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

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

CAH 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.

CAH is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.

CAH generates stronger free cash flow (555M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NRG scores higher overall (54/100 vs 53/100) and 13.7% 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.

Cardinal Health Inc

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company.

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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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