CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
CMS
CMS Energy Corporation
$64.27
-0.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $20.49B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$100.70
-1.98%
UTILITIES · Cap: $21.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 276% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $8.81B). CMS leads profitability with a 11.6% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
CMS
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Revenue declined 0.5%
Earnings declined 43.9%
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CMS
The strongest argument for CMS centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CMS
The primary concerns for CMS are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.97 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
CMS profiles as a declining stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
Bottom Line
NRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 48/100) and 11.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
CMS Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), based in Jackson, Michigan, is an energy company that is focused principally on utility operations in Michigan.
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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