WallStSmart

Edison International (EIX)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 59% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $19.32B). EIX leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. EIX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 85/100 (A).

EIX

Exceptional Buy

85

out of 100

Grade: A

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.68

NRG

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

EIXUndervalued (+15.6%)

Margin of Safety

+15.6%

Fair Value

$79.41

Current Price

$67.94

$11.47 discount

UndervaluedFair: $79.41Overvalued
NRGUndervalued (+59.0%)

Margin of Safety

+59.0%

Fair Value

$391.91

Current Price

$149.01

$242.90 discount

UndervaluedFair: $391.91Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

EIX6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
35.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.8%10/10

Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
446.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 446.3% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
24.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
23.1%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

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

Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit

Areas to Watch

EIX4 concerns · Avg: 1.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.212/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-319.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.682/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.421/10

Elevated debt levels

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.2x4/10

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 : EIX

The strongest argument for EIX centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 35.9%. Revenue growth of 30.8% 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 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : EIX

The primary concerns for EIX are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.42 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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

EIX profiles as a growth 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.

EIX is growing revenue faster at 30.8% — sustainability is the question.

NRG generates stronger free cash flow (-175M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

EIX scores higher overall (85/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 30.8% revenue growth. NRG offers better value entry with a 59.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Edison International

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Edison International is a public utility holding company based in Rosemead, California. Its subsidiaries include Southern California Edison, and unregulated non-utility business assets Edison Energy.

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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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