WallStSmart

NiSource Inc (NI)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NiSource Inc generates 208% more annual revenue ($6.82B vs $2.21B). NI leads profitability with a 14.1% profit margin vs -7.7%. NI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.69. 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

TAC

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -0.19

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

TAC0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

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

TAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.3x4/10

Trading at 11.3x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
6.982/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-12.1%2/10

ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NI

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

Bull Case : TAC

TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.

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 : TAC

The primary concerns for TAC are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 3.17 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NI profiles as a value stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

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.

TAC generates stronger free cash flow (93M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NI scores higher overall (60/100 vs 33/100). 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.

TransAlta Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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