Here's Why You Should Add NI Stock to Your Portfolio Right Now

NiSource Inc. NI is systematically investing in modernizing its infrastructure to improve operational reliability while gradually replacing its coal-based units with clean energy assets.Let us focus on the reasons that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock a strong investment pick in the Zacks Utility-Electric Power industry at present.NI’s Growth Outlook & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share (EPS) is pegged at $2.04, implying year-over-year growth of 8.2%.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 revenues is pinned at $6.56 billion, suggesting year-over-year improvement of 4.8%.NI’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 7.9%.NI’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed the same in one, delivering an average surprise of 3.23%.NI’s Dividend HistoryNI has been increasing shareholder value by steadily paying out dividends. Currently, the company’s quarterly dividend is 28 cents per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $1.12. NI’s current dividend yield is 2.70%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite's average of 1.07%.NI’s Capital Investment FocusNI’s capital investment plan forecasts capital expenditure of $26.4-$28.4 billion for 2026-2030.The company's strategic expenditure focus on strengthening its generation and grid capabilities. This includes developing two 1,300-megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired turbines, adding 400 MW of new battery storage and upgrading critical transmission infrastructure, enabling the company to meet rising demand from data centers, enhance system reliability and improve customer satisfaction.Overview of NI’s Debt StructureCurrently, NI’s total debt to capital is 58.37%, which is better than the industry’s average of 61.13%. The company's capital structure is more efficient than the industry average, owing to its lower reliance on debt.NI’s Solvency RatioNI’s times interest earned ratio (TIE) at the end of the third quarter of 2025 was 3.0. The TIE ratio is a key solvency metric that indicates how effectively a company can meet its long-term debt obligations, showing the extent to which its operating earnings are sufficient to cover interest payments.NI’s Share Price PerformanceOver the past year, NI shares have risen 15.3%, underperforming the industry’s growth of 21.9%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Other Stocks to ConsiderA few other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are Edison International EIX, NextEra Energy NEE and Evergy, Inc. EVRG, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.EIX’s long-term earnings growth rate is 10.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS is pegged at $6.27, which suggests year-over-year growth of 2.8%.NEE’s long-term earnings growth rate is 8.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS is pinned at $3.99, which indicates year-over-year growth of 8.3%.EVRG’s long-term earnings growth rate is 5.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS is pegged at $4.28, which implies year-over-year growth of 6.8%.Free Report: Profiting from the 2nd Wave of AI ExplosionThe next phase of the AI explosion is poised to create significant wealth for investors, especially those who get in early. It will add literally trillion of dollars to the economy and revolutionize nearly every part of our lives.Investors who bought shares like Nvidia at the right time have had a shot at huge gains.But the rocket ride in the "first wave" of AI stocks may soon come to an end. The sharp upward trajectory of these stocks will begin to level off, leaving exponential growth to a new wave of cutting-edge companies.Zacks' AI Boom 2.0: The Second Wave report reveals 4 under-the-radar companies that may soon be shining stars of AI’s next leap forward.Access AI Boom 2.0 now, absolutely free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE): Free Stock Analysis Report NiSource, Inc (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report Edison International (EIX): Free Stock Analysis Report Evergy Inc. (EVRG): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks