Eversource Energy (D/B/A) (ES) vs NRG Energy (NRG)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Eversource Energy (D/B/A) (ES) has outperformed NRG Energy (NRG) over the past year, losing 9.2% versus a loss of 36.5%. Over five years, NRG leads with a +157.9% price change compared with -23.9% for ES. Eversource Energy (D/B/A) is the larger company by market cap ($24.76 billion vs $22.70 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, NRG Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (9.6x vs 13.3x for Eversource Energy (D/B/A)). Eversource Energy (D/B/A) offers the higher dividend yield (4.69% vs 1.73%). Eversource Energy (D/B/A) converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 12.5% versus 2.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ES | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $65.73 | $107.97 |
| Market cap | $24.76B | $22.70B |
| 1-day change | +0.06% | +1.55% |
| YTD return | -2.38% | -33.23% |
| 1-year return | -9.20% | -36.53% |
| 5-year return | -23.93% | +157.93% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.03 | 28.26 |
| Forward P/E | 13.33 | 9.65 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.86 | $3.82 |
| Dividend yield | 4.69% | 1.73% |
| Annual dividend | $3.08 | $1.87 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $13.55B | $30.71B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +13.83% | +9.18% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.70B | $864.00M |
| Gross margin | — | 19.38% |
| Operating margin | 22.06% | 6.01% |
| Net margin | 12.55% | 2.81% |
| 52-week high | $76.57 | $189.96 |
| 52-week low | $62.72 | $93.36 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.16% | -43.16% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +11.44% | +71.81% |
| Average volume | 2.30M | 2.93M |
| Shares outstanding | 376.67M | 210.21M |
| Employees | 10,731 | 16,702 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Electric Utilities: Central | Electric Utilities: Central |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- ES has outperformed NRG by 27.3 percentage points over the past year.
- NRG Energy trades at a higher earnings multiple (28.3x vs 17.0x trailing P/E).
- Eversource Energy (D/B/A) offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.69% vs 1.73%).
- Eversource Energy (D/B/A) is more profitable, keeping 12.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 2.8 cents for NRG Energy.
About Eversource Energy (D/B/A)
ES stock →Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 10,731 employees
About NRG Energy
NRG stock →NRG Energy, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and home services company in the United States and Canada. It operates through the Texas, East, West/Other, Vivint Smart Home, and Corporate Activities segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 16,702 employees
ES vs NRG FAQ
Which is bigger, Eversource Energy (D/B/A) or NRG Energy?
Eversource Energy (D/B/A) (ES) is larger, with a market capitalization of $24.76B compared with $22.70B for NRG Energy (NRG).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ES or NRG?
ES returned -9.20% over the past 12 months, compared with -36.53% for NRG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ES or NRG?
ES has the lower trailing P/E at 17.0, versus 28.3 for NRG. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Eversource Energy (D/B/A) or NRG Energy?
Eversource Energy (D/B/A) has the higher yield at 4.69%, compared with 1.73% for NRG Energy.
Are Eversource Energy (D/B/A) and NRG Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.