FirstEnergy Corporation (FE)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
FE
FirstEnergy Corporation
$46.42
+1.71%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.20B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$133.36
+1.43%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 111% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $15.34B). FE leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. FE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
FE
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRG
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-63.5%
Fair Value
$29.31
Current Price
$46.42
$17.11 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.5%
Growing faster than its price suggests
19.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
6.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.9% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FE
The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : FE
The primary concerns for FE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.22 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 136.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 4.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FE profiles as a value stock while NRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.
NRG is growing revenue faster at 19.5% — sustainability is the question.
NRG generates stronger free cash flow (-486M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FE scores higher overall (65/100 vs 51/100) and 11.6% 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.
FirstEnergy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
FirstEnergy Corp is an electric utility headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the distribution, transmission, and generation of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services.
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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