NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$133.36
+3.98%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.47B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.36
+1.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 1169% more annual revenue ($32.38B vs $2.55B). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
NRG
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
Margin of Safety
+45.8%
Fair Value
$69.06
Current Price
$37.36
$31.70 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
19.5% revenue growth
Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 4.9% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 23.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 36.1%.
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.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRG profiles as a growth stock while WTRG is a mature 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.
WTRG generates stronger free cash flow (-22M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. 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.
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.
Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
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