WallStSmart

NiSource Inc (NI)vsOPAL Fuels Inc (OPAL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NiSource Inc generates 1925% more annual revenue ($6.82B vs $336.94M). NI leads profitability with a 14.1% profit margin vs 5.7%. NI trades at a lower P/E of 23.5x. NI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

NI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

OPAL

Avoid

29

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.05
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for NI.

OPALUndervalued (+44.4%)

Margin of Safety

+44.4%

Fair Value

$4.26

Current Price

$2.22

$2.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $4.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

OPAL1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
234.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 234 in profit

Areas to Watch

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

OPAL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
8.2x4/10

Trading at 8.2x book value

Market CapQuality
$366.12M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.7%3/10

5.7% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NI

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

Bull Case : OPAL

The strongest argument for OPAL centers on Return on Equity.

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.

Bear Case : OPAL

The primary concerns for OPAL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Market Cap. Debt-to-equity of 54.41 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

OPAL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.

NI is growing revenue faster at 8.2% — sustainability is the question.

OPAL generates stronger free cash flow (-11M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

NI scores higher overall (60/100 vs 29/100). OPAL offers better value entry with a 44.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

OPAL Fuels Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

OPAL Fuels Inc. is a leading participant in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, specializing in the transformation of organic waste into sustainable energy solutions that contribute to a low-carbon economy. The company boasts a robust portfolio of RNG production facilities and has cultivated strategic partnerships to strengthen its market presence. With a commitment to advanced technologies and innovative practices, OPAL Fuels is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly energy alternatives, underscoring its potential for significant value creation within the evolving energy landscape.

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