WallStSmart

MGE Energy Inc (MGEE)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 4304% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $752.13M). MGEE leads profitability with a 19.9% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. MGEE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

MGEE

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.20

NRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.61

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MGEE3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY

NRG1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

MGEE4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.122/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-41.63M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.614/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.6%3/10

2.6% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-85.6%2/10

Earnings declined 85.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MGEE

The strongest argument for MGEE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.9% and operating margin at 22.7%.

Bull Case : NRG

The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : MGEE

The primary concerns for MGEE are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

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

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.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MGEE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 19.9% margins. 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.

MGE Energy Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

MGE Energy, Inc., is a utility holding company primarily in Wisconsin. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.

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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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