California Water Service Group (CWT)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$42.24
-6.92%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.72B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$155.58
+4.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $31.65B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 2971% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $1.00B). CWT leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
CWT
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
NRG
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+29.8%
Fair Value
$62.85
Current Price
$42.24
$20.61 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.0%
Fair Value
$391.91
Current Price
$155.58
$236.33 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 1.0%
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 : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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
CWT profiles as a declining stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
NRG is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.
CWT generates stronger free cash flow (-104M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NRG scores higher overall (54/100 vs 47/100) and 13.7% revenue growth. CWT offers better value entry with a 29.8% margin of safety. 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.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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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