Back to top

Image: Bigstock

GE Vernova vs. Public Service Enterprise: Which Is the Better Buy Stock Now?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways

  • GE Vernova secured a 372-MW gas turbine order in Cote d'Ivoire, creating equipment and service opportunities.
  • PEG targets $24-$28 billion in capital spending for 2026-2030, mostly for regulated investments.
  • Both companies face growing electricity demand from data centers, electrification and grid modernization.

GE Vernova (GEV - Free Report) and Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG - Free Report) are well positioned to capitalize on the growing need for electricity and investments in power infrastructure. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles, electrification of industrial operations, expansion of data centers, and rising reliance on digital technologies are driving electricity consumption, creating opportunities for power-equipment manufacturers and utility providers.

Both companies are benefiting from structural changes in the energy sector. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers is boosting demand for reliable power, while the transition toward cleaner energy sources and the need to modernize aging transmission and distribution networks are accelerating investments across the industry. 

GE Vernova stands to benefit from growing demand for power-generation equipment, grid technologies and related services, while Public Service Enterprise is poised to gain from investments in its regulated utility infrastructure, supporting sustained earnings growth under an established regulatory framework.

Against this backdrop, comparing the two companies' financial performance, growth prospects, valuation metrics and earnings outlook can help determine which stock offers the more attractive investment opportunity at present.

Factors Acting in Favor of GEV Stock

GE Vernova has a balanced investment profile. Demand is supported by a broad electricity cycle tied to grid upgrades, electrification, data centers, reliability and energy security, giving the company better revenue visibility than a typical equipment supplier. Power remains the clearest strength, aided by gas turbine demand, pricing, capacity expansion and future service opportunities.

On Oct. 20, 2026, GE Vernova announced that it had secured an order from Songon Energies S.A. to supply a 9E gas turbine and generator for the 372-MW Songon combined-cycle power plant near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with the facility expected to begin operations in 2029. The project will also provide opportunities for GE Vernova to supply high-voltage substation equipment, digital software and long-term services. The contract could benefit GE Vernova by strengthening its Gas Power business, expanding its presence in West Africa and generating additional revenue opportunities from equipment, digital solutions and recurring service agreements over the project's lifecycle.

Factors Acting in Favor of PEG Stock

Public Service Enterprise is a regulated utility that owns and operates electric transmission and distribution networks, primarily in New Jersey. Rather than selling equipment, the company invests directly in utility infrastructure, including transmission lines, substations, grid reliability projects and clean-energy initiatives. Because many of these investments are made within a regulated framework, PSEG typically earns a predictable return approved by regulators, providing relatively stable cash flows and earnings growth.

The company’s investment plan remains centered on regulated infrastructure, which provides a clear path for rate-base expansion. For 2026-2030, PSEG continues to target $24-$28 billion of total capital spending, with more than 90% directed to regulated investments. The $22.5-$25.5 billion regulated program is expected to support 6-7.5% compound annual growth in rate base through 2030. PSEG expects to fund the five-year capital plan without issuing new equity or selling assets, limiting dilution while preserving capacity for continued dividend growth.

How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for GEV & PEG?

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GE Vernova’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates growth of 72.41% year over year. GEV’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 19.21%.
 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Public Service Enterprise’s 2026 EPS implies growth of 8.15%. PEG’s long-term earnings growth rate is 6.09%.

 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Valuation for GEV & PEG

GEV shares trade at a forward 12-month price/sales (P/S F12M) of 4.26X compared with PEG’s 2.79X.

 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

GEV & PEG’s Return on Equity (ROE)

ROE measures how efficiently a company is utilizing its shareholders’ funds to generate profits. GE Vernova’s current ROE is 42.42% compared with Public Service Enterprise’s 12.42%.

GEV & PEG’s Price Performance

In the past year, shares of GE Vernova have risen 39% while those of Public Service Enterprise have declined 12.1%.

 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

GEV or PEG: Which Is a Better Choice Now?

GE Vernova benefits from rising electricity demand, grid modernization and strong gas turbine demand, with new international orders creating opportunities in equipment, digital solutions and long-term services. PSEG offers stable earnings growth through regulated utility investments, expanding grid infrastructure and a long-term capital plan focused on predictable returns and sustained dividend growth.

Our choice at the moment is GE Vernova, given its stronger ROE, and better earnings growth and price performance than Public Service Enterprise. Both GEV and PEG carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Published in