NiSource Inc. (NI) vs NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG)

NI leads on 10 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of NiSource Inc. and NRG Energy, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 21, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — NI vs NRG

growth of $100 · last 23y
NI +486.4%NRG +1302.5%NRG compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $10020072011201520192023$586$1,402
NI NRG

NI vs NRG: by the numbers

  • NRG is the larger company ($28.50B vs $22.66B market cap).
  • NI trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.51 vs 158.89 P/E).
  • NI converts more revenue to profit (14.10% vs 0.74% net margin).
  • NRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.42% vs 8.10% CAGR).
  • NI pays the higher dividend yield (2.45% vs 1.35%).

Which is better, NI or NRG?

Metric tally: NI 10 · NRG 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNI(lower P/E)
GrowthNRG(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeNI(higher dividend yield)
QualityNRG(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNINRG
P/E ratio23.51158.89
Forward P/E21.10
P/S ratio3.330.87
P/B ratio2.355.76
PEG ratio1.0510.97
EV / EBITDA12.6319.90

Profitability

MetricNINRG
Gross margin55.92%17.07%
Operating margin27.78%3.00%
Net margin14.10%0.74%
ROE9.96%4.90%
ROIC4.51%7.00%

Dividends

MetricNINRG
Dividend yield2.45%1.35%
Payout ratio59.18%44.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNINRG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.10%16.42%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.27%14.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-7.40%-13.77%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.34%33.27%

Frequently asked

Which is better, NI or NRG?
It depends on your goal. value: NI (lower P/E); growth: NRG (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NI (higher dividend yield); quality: NRG (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NI leads 10 to 4.
Is NI or NRG cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NI is cheaper: NI trades at a 23.51 P/E and NRG at 158.89.
Which has grown faster, NI or NRG?
Over the past five years, NRG grew revenue faster — NI at a 8.10% CAGR versus NRG at 16.42%.
Does NI or NRG pay a bigger dividend?
NI yields 2.45% and NRG yields 1.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NI or NRG more profitable?
NI runs the higher net margin — NI at 14.10% versus NRG at 0.74%.
Which has been the better investment, NI or NRG?
Over the past 10-year, NRG delivered the higher annualized total return — NI at 9.89% versus NRG at 27.69%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 21, 2026.