WallStSmart

NiSource Inc (NI)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 381% more annual revenue ($33.12B vs $6.88B). NI leads profitability with a 13.2% profit margin vs 2.6%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. NRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

NI

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.58

NRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.61

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NI1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

NRG1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

NI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.833/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-58.4%2/10

Earnings declined 58.4%

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.614/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.6%3/10

2.6% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-85.6%2/10

Earnings declined 85.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NI

The strongest argument for NI centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : NRG

The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : NI

The primary concerns for NI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NRG

The primary concerns for NRG are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 4.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.

NRG is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.

NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

NRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 50/100) and 11.0% 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.

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.

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.

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