WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 4216% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $750.39M). MGEE leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. MGEE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

MGEE

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.20

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

MGEE2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
23.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%

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

MGEE4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.122/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-20.45M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.202/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : MGEE

The strongest argument for MGEE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 23.5%. Revenue growth of 10.8% 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 : MGEE

The primary concerns for MGEE are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.

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

MGEE profiles as a mature 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.

MGEE generates stronger free cash flow (-20M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MGEE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins and 10.8% 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.

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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