NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$103.66
-2.42%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.15B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.22
-0.57%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 1362% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $2.27B). NRG leads profitability with a 2.6% profit margin vs -1.0%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
NRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
TAC
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 33.3%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.6% margin — thin
Earnings declined 85.6%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 71.6%
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 : TAC
The strongest argument for TAC centers on Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 12.5% 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 : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.38 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRG profiles as a value stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
TAC is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 43/100) and 11.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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