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Nisource Inc (NI)
NYSE:NI

Nisource (NI) AI Stock Analysis

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NI

Nisource

(NYSE:NI)

70Neutral
NiSource presents a mixed outlook with strong financial performance and strategic initiatives enhancing operational efficiency. The earnings call highlighted significant growth but also noted regulatory challenges. Technical indicators suggest cautious optimism, while valuation metrics indicate the stock is fairly priced. The overall score reflects these strengths and challenges, with cash flow management and regulatory hurdles as key areas to monitor.
Positive Factors
Earnings
NI delivered another better-than-expected quarter and raised its 2025 full-year guidance.
Growth Prospects
Indiana load growth related to data centers represents considerable upside.
Regulatory Support
Regulatory/policy treatment is viewed as supportive, with potential approval of the IN Genco & SB 103 seen as incremental positive data points on the business-friendly nature of the company’s largest jurisdictions.
Negative Factors
Ratepayer Risks
Management expanded on the benefits of its NIPSCO GenCo filing, offering speed and flexibility to hyperscaler customers while isolating risk and rate increases away from current residential and C&I ratepayers.
Regulatory Challenges
Analyst looks for more parties to join the settlement to bolster likelihood of adoption by the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission.
Settlement Uncertainty
Big step toward successful resolution; still work to do.

Nisource (NI) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Nisource Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNiSource Inc., an energy holding company, operates as a regulated natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. The company distributes natural gas to approximately 853,000 customers in northern Indiana, as well as approximately 2.4 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland. It operates approximately 54,600 miles of distribution main pipelines, as well as associated individual customer service lines; and 1,000 miles of transmission main pipelines. The company generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 483,000 customers in 20 counties in the northern part of Indiana, as well as engages in wholesale electric and transmission transactions. It owns and operates coal-fired electric generating stations with a capacity of 722 megawatts (MW) in Wheatfield and 455 MW in Michigan City; combined cycle gas turbine with a capacity of 563 MW in West Terre Haute; natural gas generating units with a capacity of 155 MW in Wheatfield; hydro generating plants with a capacity of 9 MW in Carroll County and 7 MW in White County; and wind generating units with a capacity of 102 MW and 302 MW in White County, Indiana. The company was formerly known as NIPSCO Industries, Inc. and changed its name to NiSource Inc. in April 1999. NiSource Inc. was founded in 1847 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana.
How the Company Makes MoneyNiSource makes money through the regulated distribution and transmission of natural gas and electricity. Its revenue model is based on providing utility services to its customer base, which includes residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The company earns income through rate-regulated tariffs set by state public utility commissions, which ensure recovery of costs and an allowed rate of return on investments. Key revenue streams include natural gas distribution operations across several states and electric utility services in northern Indiana. NiSource also invests in infrastructure projects, such as pipeline and grid modernization, which are factored into the rate base and contribute to future earnings. Additionally, the company benefits from regulatory mechanisms that support revenue stability and growth, such as decoupling and rate adjustment mechanisms.

Nisource Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Nisource demonstrates stable profitability with improving net profit margins and robust operational efficiency. However, concerns exist due to negative free cash flow trends and a significant decrease in total assets for 2024, necessitating further scrutiny.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Nisource has demonstrated a stable income profile with improving net profit margins from 6.9% in 2019 to 13.9% in 2024. Despite a slight decline in revenue over the past year, the company has maintained a consistent gross profit margin around 70% over the years. This indicates a strong ability to manage costs effectively. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also robust, signifying operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
The balance sheet shows moderate leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33 in 2024, a significant improvement from previous years. The equity ratio has strengthened over time, reaching 89% in 2024, indicating a solid capital structure. However, the total assets have decreased significantly in 2024 due to changes in reporting, which could be a cause for concern if not clarified.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals some challenges, particularly with free cash flow, which has fluctuated negatively over the years. Although operating cash flow has shown stability, the free cash flow remains negative, highlighting the need for better capital expenditure management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio was unavailable for 2024, limiting complete cash flow assessment.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
5.46B5.51B5.85B4.90B4.68B
Gross Profit
2.81B2.49B2.25B2.05B1.99B
EBIT
1.46B1.30B1.27B1.01B976.30M
EBITDA
2.56B2.21B2.14B1.80B1.07B
Net Income Common Stockholders
760.40M714.30M804.10M584.90M-14.20M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
156.60M2.25B40.80M84.20M116.50M
Total Assets
31.79B31.08B26.74B24.16B22.04B
Total Debt
13.96B14.13B11.66B9.80B9.75B
Net Debt
13.80B11.88B11.62B9.72B9.63B
Total Liabilities
21.12B20.94B18.83B16.88B16.20B
Stockholders Equity
8.68B8.27B7.58B6.95B5.75B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-861.50M-710.70M-793.70M-620.10M-654.10M
Operating Cash Flow
1.78B1.94B1.41B1.22B1.10B
Investing Cash Flow
-3.11B-3.57B-2.57B-2.20B-879.10M
Financing Cash Flow
-651.00M3.84B1.14B956.30M-247.70M

Nisource Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price39.08
Price Trends
50DMA
38.90
Positive
100DMA
38.23
Positive
200DMA
36.05
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.06
Positive
RSI
51.35
Neutral
STOCH
37.78
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NI, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 39.08 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.03, above the 50-day MA of 38.90, and above the 200-day MA of 36.05, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of -0.06 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 51.35 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 37.78 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for NI.

Nisource Risk Analysis

Nisource disclosed 41 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Nisource reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Nisource Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
SRSR
73
Outperform
$4.33B18.097.30%4.20%-7.10%2.54%
UGUGI
73
Outperform
$7.61B14.6110.84%4.23%-4.30%
NJNJR
71
Outperform
$4.68B11.3017.83%3.80%20.30%63.69%
NINI
70
Neutral
$18.40B21.0610.34%2.79%13.08%17.47%
ATATO
68
Neutral
$25.05B22.019.18%2.12%10.60%8.55%
63
Neutral
$8.53B10.184.66%4.38%3.77%-12.97%
SWSWX
61
Neutral
$4.96B22.136.49%3.59%-10.78%16.27%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NI
Nisource
39.08
10.84
38.39%
ATO
Atmos Energy
157.68
42.31
36.67%
SR
Spire
73.31
13.21
21.98%
NJR
New Jersey Resources
46.61
3.76
8.77%
SWX
Southwest Gas
69.02
-6.15
-8.18%
UGI
UGI
35.48
12.30
53.06%

Nisource Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -0.71%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call depicted a strong financial performance and operational efficiency improvements, supported by favorable legislative outcomes. However, ongoing regulatory challenges, potential tariff impacts, and strategic assessments on coal plant retirements presented areas of concern.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
NiSource reported first quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.98, a 15% increase from $0.85 in the same quarter last year. The company reaffirmed 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.85 to $1.89 and annual 2025 to 2029 guidance for adjusted EPS growth of 6% to 8%.
Successful Legislative Developments
The passing of Ohio Senate Bill 103, which modernizes natural gas rate making, minimizes regulatory lag, and maximizes the value of investments.
Capital Expenditure Progress
NiSource launched Dunns Bridge II, making it one of the largest solar generation facilities in the country. The company has installed 2,100 megawatts of renewable nameplate capacity, with most assets negotiated at prices 50% lower than today's market.
Operational Efficiency Gains
AI-driven initiatives across operations have led to a 60,000-hour productivity improvement, with extended programs showing consistent productivity gains averaging 16.5%.
Negative Updates
Regulatory Challenges
Settlement discussions and regulatory approvals for the NIPSCO Genco initiative remain ongoing, creating uncertainty around its impact and implementation timeline.
Potential Impact of Federal Tariffs
While largely insulated, there is an ongoing assessment of the impact of potential tariff changes on future procurement and capital investments.
Coal Plant Retirement Considerations
The potential extension of coal plant operations is under assessment in light of federal executive orders, which could affect long-term procurement strategies.
Company Guidance
During the NiSource First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided specific financial guidance and reaffirmed several key metrics. NiSource reported a first quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.98, a 15% increase from the previous year's $0.85. The company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.85 to $1.89 and maintained its long-term annual guidance from 2025 to 2029, projecting 6% to 8% adjusted EPS growth, an 8% to 10% rate base increase, and a 14% to 16% FFO-to-debt ratio. The call emphasized NiSource's stable regulatory environment, disciplined capital allocation, and ongoing efforts to leverage AI for operational improvements. Additionally, the company highlighted its strategic initiatives, including legislative actions in Ohio aimed at modernizing natural gas rate-making and efforts to support data center development in Northern Indiana.

Nisource Corporate Events

Shareholder Meetings
NiSource Stockholders Approve Key Proposals at Annual Meeting
Neutral
May 13, 2025

At the Annual Meeting held on May 12, 2025, NiSource stockholders voted on several key proposals. All nominated directors were elected, and the advisory approval of executive compensation was passed. The appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025 was ratified. However, a stockholder proposal to improve special shareholder meetings was not approved.

The most recent analyst rating on (NI) stock is a Buy with a $43.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Nisource stock, see the NI Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on NI Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, NI is a Outperform.

Nisource’s overall score of 71 reflects strong financial performance and positive stock momentum, tempered by concerns over cash flow challenges and high valuation. The earnings call provided optimistic future guidance, balancing regulatory and operational challenges.

To see Spark’s full report on NI stock, click here.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.