WallStSmart

NiSource Inc (NI)vsVistra Corp. (VST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Vistra Corp. generates 185% more annual revenue ($19.45B vs $6.82B). NI leads profitability with a 14.1% profit margin vs 11.5%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

NI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

VST

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.60

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

VST5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
40.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
43.4%10/10

Revenue surging 43.4% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$53.26B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%

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

VST4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
19.8x4/10

Trading at 19.8x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.3%2/10

Earnings declined 52.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NI

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

Bull Case : VST

The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.4% 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 Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : VST

The primary concerns for VST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NI profiles as a value stock while VST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

VST is growing revenue faster at 43.4% — sustainability is the question.

VST generates stronger free cash flow (156M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VST scores higher overall (68/100 vs 60/100) and 43.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

Vistra Corp.

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

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