NiSource Inc (NI)vsSouthern Company (SO)
NI
NiSource Inc
$45.84
+1.27%
UTILITIES · Cap: $22.63B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 342% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $6.82B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 14.1%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. NI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
NI
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NI.
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NI
The strongest argument for NI centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.
NI is growing revenue faster at 8.2% — sustainability is the question.
NI generates stronger free cash flow (-363M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NI scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100). 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.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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