NiSource Inc (NI)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
NI
NiSource Inc
$48.18
-0.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $23.06B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$149.01
-3.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $31.65B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 362% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $6.64B). NI leads profitability with a 14.0% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. NI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
NI
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRG
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-86.6%
Fair Value
$23.93
Current Price
$48.18
$24.25 premium
Margin of Safety
+59.0%
Fair Value
$391.91
Current Price
$149.01
$242.90 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.0%
19.8% revenue growth
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NI
The strongest argument for NI centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NI
The primary concerns for NI are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NI profiles as a growth stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — 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
NI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 54/100) and 19.8% revenue growth. NRG offers better value entry with a 59.0% margin of safety. 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.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?