NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsPG&E Corp (PCG)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$113.46
+1.62%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.15B
PCG
PG&E Corp
$13.80
-1.64%
UTILITIES · Cap: $32.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 28% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $25.84B). PCG leads profitability with a 11.8% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. PCG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
PCG
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
Margin of Safety
-14.1%
Fair Value
$12.44
Current Price
$13.80
$1.36 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 24.8%
Earnings expanding 39.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : PCG
The strongest argument for PCG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.60 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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.
Bear Case : PCG
The primary concerns for PCG are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.91 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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 - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PCG scores higher overall (76/100 vs 60/100). Both earn "Strong 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.
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.
PG&E Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
PG&E Corporation, through its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, is engaged in the sale and delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers in northern and central California, United States. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
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