WallStSmart

NiSource Inc (NI)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NiSource Inc generates 283% more annual revenue ($6.82B vs $1.78B). SWX leads profitability with a 26.1% profit margin vs 14.1%. SWX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.20. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

NI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.59

SWX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.63
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NISignificantly Overvalued (-79.4%)

Margin of Safety

-79.4%

Fair Value

$24.89

Current Price

$47.03

$22.14 premium

UndervaluedFair: $24.89Overvalued
SWXSignificantly Overvalued (-29.1%)

Margin of Safety

-29.1%

Fair Value

$66.62

Current Price

$89.13

$22.51 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.62Overvalued

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
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SWX4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
37.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.1%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

NI3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.662/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-362.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.592/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SWX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.204/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
6.1%3/10

ROE of 6.1% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-21.6%2/10

Revenue declined 21.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NI

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

Bull Case : SWX

The strongest argument for SWX centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.1% and operating margin at 37.9%.

Bear Case : NI

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

Bear Case : SWX

The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NI profiles as a value stock while SWX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

NI is growing revenue faster at 8.2% — sustainability is the question.

SWX generates stronger free cash flow (-47M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 26.1% 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.

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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