Avista (AVA) vs NiSource (NI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Avista (AVA) has outperformed NiSource (NI) over the past year, losing 5.8% versus a loss of 7.0%. Over five years, NI leads with a +62.9% price change compared with -13.7% for AVA. NiSource is the larger company by market cap ($19.44 billion vs $2.95 billion), about 6.6 times the size.
On valuation, Avista trades at a lower forward P/E (12.6x vs 18.0x for NiSource). Avista offers the higher dividend yield (5.58% vs 1.43%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AVA | NI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $35.23 | $40.54 |
| Market cap | $2.95B | $19.44B |
| 1-day change | +0.11% | -0.32% |
| YTD return | -8.59% | -2.92% |
| 1-year return | -5.75% | -7.00% |
| 5-year return | -13.74% | +62.94% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 12.72 | 21.56 |
| Forward P/E | 12.63 | 18.01 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.77 | $1.88 |
| Dividend yield | 5.58% | 1.43% |
| Annual dividend | $1.97 | $0.58 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $6.52B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +23.47% |
| Net income (latest FY) | — | $929.50M |
| Gross margin | — | 75.71% |
| Operating margin | — | 28.14% |
| Net margin | — | 14.25% |
| 52-week high | $43.50 | $49.21 |
| 52-week low | $34.46 | $38.42 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.01% | -17.62% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +17.31% | +21.19% |
| Average volume | 655.25K | 5.54M |
| Shares outstanding | 83.75M | 479.56M |
| Employees | — | 7,668 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Power Generation | Power Generation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- NiSource is about 6.6 times larger than Avista by market value ($19.44B vs $2.95B).
- NiSource trades at a higher earnings multiple (21.6x vs 12.7x trailing P/E).
- Avista offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.58% vs 1.43%).
About Avista
AVA stock →Avista Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Avista Utilities and Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (AEL&P).
Utilities · Power Generation
About NiSource
NI stock →NiSource Inc., an energy holding company, operates as a regulated natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Columbia Operations and NIPSCO Operations.
Utilities · Power Generation · 7,668 employees
AVA vs NI FAQ
Which is bigger, Avista or NiSource?
NiSource (NI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $19.44B compared with $2.95B for Avista (AVA).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AVA or NI?
AVA returned -5.75% over the past 12 months, compared with -7.00% for NI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AVA or NI?
AVA has the lower trailing P/E at 12.7, versus 21.6 for NI. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Avista or NiSource?
Avista has the higher yield at 5.58%, compared with 1.43% for NiSource.
Are Avista and NiSource in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.