WallStSmart

NiSource Inc (NI)vsSuburban Propane Partners LP (SPH)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NiSource Inc generates 365% more annual revenue ($6.64B vs $1.43B). NI leads profitability with a 14.0% profit margin vs 9.3%. SPH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. SPH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

NI

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 8.7Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.59

SPH

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NIUndervalued (+6.7%)

Margin of Safety

+6.7%

Fair Value

$47.89

Current Price

$45.68

$2.21 discount

UndervaluedFair: $47.89Overvalued
SPHUndervalued (+78.7%)

Margin of Safety

+78.7%

Fair Value

$94.07

Current Price

$20.25

$73.82 discount

UndervaluedFair: $94.07Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NI3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.8%8/10

19.8% revenue growth

SPH4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
130.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 130.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
22.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

NI3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.204/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-133.70M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.592/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SPH3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$1.34B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-80.0%2/10

Revenue declined 80.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-67.47M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : SPH

The strongest argument for SPH centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : NI

The primary concerns for NI are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SPH

The primary concerns for SPH are Market Cap, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.

NI is growing revenue faster at 19.8% — sustainability is the question.

SPH generates stronger free cash flow (-67M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SPH scores higher overall (65/100 vs 62/100). 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.

Suburban Propane Partners LP

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Suburban Propane Partners, LP, is engaged in the marketing and retail distribution of propane, fuel oil, and refined fuels. The company is headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey.

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