Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)vsNiSource Inc (NI)
ATO
Atmos Energy Corporation
$175.17
+1.36%
UTILITIES · Cap: $28.81B
NI
NiSource Inc
$49.08
+2.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $22.84B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NiSource Inc generates 40% more annual revenue ($6.82B vs $4.88B). ATO leads profitability with a 27.6% profit margin vs 14.1%. ATO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. ATO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ATO
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NI
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.6% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ATO
The strongest argument for ATO centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.6% and operating margin at 39.3%.
Bull Case : NI
The strongest argument for NI centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book.
Bear Case : ATO
The primary concerns for ATO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ATO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.60 — expect wider price swings.
NI is growing revenue faster at 8.2% — sustainability is the question.
ATO generates stronger free cash flow (-280M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ATO scores higher overall (64/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 27.6% margins. 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.
Atmos Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the United States' largest natural-gas-only distributors.
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.
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