WallStSmart

MDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 1693% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $1.81B). MDU leads profitability with a 10.5% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

MDU

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.89

NRG

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.61

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MDU1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

NRG2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4310/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.5%8/10

19.5% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

MDU4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.2%2/10

Revenue declined 10.2%

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.614/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.9%3/10

ROE of 4.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MDU

The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book.

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 : MDU

The primary concerns for MDU are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

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

MDU profiles as a declining 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.

MDU generates stronger free cash flow (57M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NRG scores higher overall (51/100 vs 49/100) and 19.5% 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.

MDU Resources Group Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

MDU Resources Group, Inc. is involved in the regulated power supply and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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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