Here's Why You Should Include NiSource Stock in Your Portfolio Now

NiSource Inc. NI continues to benefit from its strategic investment plans to modernize infrastructure. This helps the business boost its service reliability. NI continues to expand its portfolio of clean assets, which enhances its overall performance. The company is a good investment option in the utility industry, given its growth prospects.Let’s focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment pick at the moment.NI’s Growth Projections & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased 0.5% to $1.88 in the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales is pinned at $5.99 billion, indicating a year-over-year increase of 9.8%.NiSource’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 7.88%. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 24%.NI’s Dividend GrowthThe company has been consistently increasing the value of its shareholders through dividends. It expects to deliver an annual return of 9-11% over the long term. Currently, NiSource’s quarterly dividend is 28 cents per share. This represents an annualized dividend of $1.12 per share, up 6% from the previous level. The company expects a targeted annual dividend payout ratio of 60-70%. Its current dividend yield is 2.83%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite's average of 1.22%.Debt Position of NICurrently, NiSource’s total debt to capital is 57.63%, better than the industry’s average of 60.81%. The time-to-interest earned ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was 3.2. The ratio, being greater than one, reflects the company’s ability to meet future interest obligations without difficulties.NI Benefits From Investment FocusNiSource is working on a long-term utility infrastructure modernization program. The company expects investments in the range of $4-$4.3 billion for 2025. It also projected an investment of $19.4 billion for the 2025-2029 period.NI expects an annual rate base growth rate of 8-10% during 2025-2029, driven by its capital expenditures. The company’s planned regulated investments should improve the reliability and safety of its services and provide efficient electric and natural gas services to its increasing customer base. More than 75% of NiSource’s capital expenditure starts providing returns in less than 18 months of investment.NI’s Share Price PerformanceIn the past six months, the stock has returned 8% compared with the industry’s growth of 6.7%. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchOther Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are Portland General Electric POR, CenterPoint Energy CNP and OGE Energy OGE, each holding a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.POR’s long-term earnings growth rate is 3.35%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS is pinned at $3.21, indicating year-over-year growth of 2.2%.CenterPoint Energy’s long-term earnings growth rate is 7.76%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS is pegged at $1.75, indicating a year-over-year improvement of 8%.OGE Energy’s long-term earnings growth rate is 6.32%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 4.6% in the last four quarters. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>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 NiSource, Inc (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report OGE Energy Corporation (OGE): Free Stock Analysis Report CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP): Free Stock Analysis Report Portland General Electric Company (POR): 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