NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$113.46
+1.62%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.15B
SWX
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
$86.11
-0.91%
UTILITIES · Cap: $6.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 1803% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $1.74B). SWX leads profitability with a 31.4% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
SWX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.2%
Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 9.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : SWX
The strongest argument for SWX centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.4% and operating margin at 24.2%.
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 : SWX
The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRG profiles as a value stock while SWX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
Bottom Line
SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 31.4% margins. 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.
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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