WallStSmart

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK)vsNiSource Inc (NI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NiSource Inc generates 593% more annual revenue ($6.82B vs $984.40M). CPK leads profitability with a 15.1% profit margin vs 14.1%. CPK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. CPK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

CPK

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.97

NI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.58
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CPKSignificantly Overvalued (-24.3%)

Margin of Safety

-24.3%

Fair Value

$104.88

Current Price

$123.78

$18.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $104.88Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for NI.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CPK3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.2%8/10

18.2% revenue growth

NI2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
34.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CPK4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.013/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-23.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

NI4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.743/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-362.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.582/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CPK

The strongest argument for CPK centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.1% and operating margin at 28.1%. Revenue growth of 18.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NI

The strongest argument for NI centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book.

Bear Case : CPK

The primary concerns for CPK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : NI

The primary concerns for NI are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CPK profiles as a growth stock while NI is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CPK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.

CPK is growing revenue faster at 18.2% — sustainability is the question.

CPK generates stronger free cash flow (-24M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CPK scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.1% margins and 18.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a power supply company. The company is headquartered in Dover, Delaware.

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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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