WallStSmart

NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsSpire Inc (SR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 1141% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $2.67B). SR leads profitability with a 20.6% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. SR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

NRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

SR

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.57

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

Growing faster than its price suggests

SR4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
1138.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1138.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
20.6%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.2%8/10

19.2% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

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%

SR4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-91.20M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.572/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.031/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : SR

The strongest argument for SR centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.6% and operating margin at 7.1%. Revenue growth of 19.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : SR

The primary concerns for SR are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NRG profiles as a value stock while SR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.

SR is growing revenue faster at 19.2% — sustainability is the question.

NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SR scores higher overall (68/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.6% margins and 19.2% revenue growth. 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.

Spire Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Spire Inc. engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

Visit Website →

Compare with Other UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS Stocks

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?