WallStSmart

NiSource Inc (NI)vsTalen Energy Corporation (TLN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NiSource Inc generates 111% more annual revenue ($6.82B vs $3.24B). NI leads profitability with a 14.1% profit margin vs -0.7%. NI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

NI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.58

TLN

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.29

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
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

TLN2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
96.7%10/10

Revenue surging 96.7% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
34.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 34.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

NI4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.743/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-362.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.582/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

TLN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
15.4x4/10

Trading at 15.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.0%2/10

ROE of -2.0% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NI

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

Bull Case : TLN

The strongest argument for TLN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 96.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : TLN

The primary concerns for TLN are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 6.34 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NI profiles as a value stock while TLN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

TLN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — expect wider price swings.

TLN is growing revenue faster at 96.7% — sustainability is the question.

TLN generates stronger free cash flow (392M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NI scores higher overall (60/100 vs 48/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Talen Energy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Talen Energy Corporation (Ticker: TLN) is a prominent power generation and infrastructure firm based in the United States, focused on delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions through a diverse portfolio that encompasses both traditional and renewable sources. The company's strategic initiatives are aimed at addressing the increasing demand for electricity while enhancing environmental sustainability and grid resilience. With a commitment to innovation and technological advancement, Talen Energy is well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving energy landscape, making it an appealing investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to the transition toward cleaner energy alternatives.

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