NiSource Inc (NI)vsSouthern Company (SO)
NI
NiSource Inc
$41.41
-0.02%
UTILITIES · Cap: $20.09B
SO
Southern Company
$87.17
-0.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 339% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $6.88B). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 13.2%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
NI
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NI.
Margin of Safety
-40.5%
Fair Value
$62.06
Current Price
$87.17
$25.11 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 58.4%
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NI
The strongest argument for NI centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bear Case : NI
The primary concerns for NI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.54 — expect wider price swings.
NI is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — sustainability is the question.
SO generates stronger free cash flow (-293M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. 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.
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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