Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)vsNiSource Inc (NI)
ATO
Atmos Energy Corporation
$181.57
+0.30%
UTILITIES · Cap: $29.86B
NI
NiSource Inc
$45.68
+0.46%
UTILITIES · Cap: $21.54B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NiSource Inc generates 36% more annual revenue ($6.64B vs $4.87B). ATO leads profitability with a 25.7% profit margin vs 14.0%. ATO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.16. ATO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ATO
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NI
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-5.0%
Fair Value
$167.51
Current Price
$181.57
$14.06 premium
Margin of Safety
+6.7%
Fair Value
$47.89
Current Price
$45.68
$2.21 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 38.9%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.0%
19.8% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ATO
The strongest argument for ATO centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.7% and operating margin at 38.9%. Revenue growth of 14.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NI
The strongest argument for NI centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ATO
The primary concerns for ATO are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : NI
The primary concerns for NI are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ATO profiles as a mature stock while NI is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ATO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.
NI is growing revenue faster at 19.8% — sustainability is the question.
NI generates stronger free cash flow (-134M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ATO scores higher overall (64/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 25.7% margins and 14.2% revenue growth. 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.
Atmos Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the United States' largest natural-gas-only distributors.
NiSource Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
NiSource Inc. is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. The company is based in Merrillville, Indiana.
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