NiSource Inc (NI)vsSouthern Company (SO)
NI
NiSource Inc
$48.28
+0.21%
UTILITIES · Cap: $23.06B
SO
Southern Company
$96.70
+3.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $109.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 345% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $6.64B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 14.0%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.66. NI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
NI
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-86.6%
Fair Value
$23.93
Current Price
$48.28
$24.35 premium
Margin of Safety
-35.0%
Fair Value
$71.61
Current Price
$96.70
$25.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.0%
19.8% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NI
The strongest argument for NI centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NI
The primary concerns for NI are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NI profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.61 — expect wider price swings.
NI is growing revenue faster at 19.8% — sustainability is the question.
NI generates stronger free cash flow (-134M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 54/100) and 19.8% revenue growth. 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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