For those looking to find strong Utilities stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is NiSource (NI) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Utilities peers, we might be able to answer that question.NiSource is a member of the Utilities sector. This group includes 108 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #1. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector gro ...

Economic Overview - Consumer confidence index declined to 93 in June, a 5.4-point drop from May's 98.4, and significantly lower than the expected rise to 100 [4][10] - Concerns over job availability and uncertainty regarding President Trump's tariffs contributed to the decline in consumer confidence [5][10] - The labor market differential fell to 11.1 in June from 12.7 in May, marking its lowest point in four years [5] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), NiSource Inc. (NI), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Altria Group, Inc. (MO) [2][10] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) and are expected to provide high dividend yields along with favorable Zacks Ranks [3][10] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.22% [11] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Provides natural gas and electricity to around 3.7 million customers in six states, with one of the largest natural gas distribution networks in the U.S. [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.76% [13] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.76% [15] Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) - Specializes in nature-based sweeteners, starches, and nutrition ingredients, serving various sectors [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.33% [17] Altria Group, Inc. (MO) - Evolving beyond traditional cigarettes into the smokeless category due to rising health consciousness and regulatory pressures [18] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 6.81% [19]

Market Overview - Volatility has returned to Wall Street due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with the U.S. gradually getting involved [2][5] - The Dow declined by 0.7%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell by 0.8% and 0.9%, respectively [5] - Recent geopolitical tensions have unsettled markets, which could remain volatile for an extended period [9] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU), and NiSource Inc. (NI) [3][11] - These stocks are characterized by low beta (greater than 0 but less than 1), high dividend yields, and favorable Zacks Ranks [4][11] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [10] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.6% over the last 60 days [12] - Current dividend yield is 2.27% and beta is 0.71 [12] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [13] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 3.3% over the last 60 days [14] - Current dividend yield is 3.70% and beta is 0.49 [14] MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) - Provides value-added natural resource products and regulated energy delivery services [15] - Expected earnings growth rate of 5.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 1.1% over the last 60 days [15] - Current dividend yield is 3.18% and beta is 0.72 [15] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Delivers natural gas and electricity to approximately 3.7 million customers across six states [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.5% over the last 60 days [17] - Current dividend yield is 2.83% and beta is 0.54 [17]

NiSource (NI) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 07, 2025 11:00 AM ET Speaker0 morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the NiSource First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. Please note that all lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. I will now turn the conference over to Dave Brow, Communications. Please go ahead. Speaker1 Good morning, and welcome to the NiSource fir ...

Financial Performance & Growth - NiSource reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.85-$1.89[12] - The company projects an annual adjusted EPS growth of 6%-8% from 2025-2029[9, 12] - NiSource anticipates an 8%-10% rate base growth from 2025-2029[9] - The company is targeting a 14%-16% annual FFO/Debt through 2029[9, 12] - NiSource reported Q1 2025 GAAP net income available to common shareholders of $474.8 million, compared to $344.3 million in Q1 2024, an increase of $130.5 million[26] - Adjusted net income available to common shareholders for Q1 2025 was $462.3 million, up from $382.8 million in Q1 2024, representing a $79.5 million increase[26] - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025 was $0.98, compared to $0.85 in Q1 2024, a $0.13 increase[26] Capital Investments & Funding - NiSource plans a base plan capital investment of $19.4 billion from 2025-2029[9, 12] - The company has an upside 5-year capital opportunity of $2.2 billion from 2025-2029, which is not included in the base plan[29] - The capital investment funding sources are projected to be 50%-55% from cash from operations, 35%-40% from net new debt, 6%-8% from equity, and 3%-5% from minority interest contribution[31] Strategic Initiatives - NiSource aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040[9, 58] - The company is focused on building a constructive regulatory foundation, including rate case filings and approvals in various states[12, 19] - NiSource is prioritizing operational excellence through AI utilization and continuous improvement initiatives[12, 16]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☑ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-16189 NiSource Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 8 ...

Exhibit 99.1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2025 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Media Investors Kristen King Investor Relations Finance Communications investors@nisource.com (380) 268-3023 kking@nisource.com NiSource announces first quarter results This press release includes financial results and guidance for NiSource with respect to adjusted net income available to common shareholders and adjusted EPS, which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the SEC. The company includes these measures because manag ...

Economic Overview - The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index for mid-March dropped to 57.9, significantly below the consensus estimate of 63.2 and the final reading of 64.7 in February, indicating a decline in consumer confidence [4] - The short-term inflation outlook increased to 4.9% in March from 4.3% in February, the highest since November 2022, while the long-term inflation outlook rose to 3.9% from 3.4%, marking the highest since February 1991 [5] Investment Strategy - Investment in low-beta high-yielding stocks is recommended as a strategy to safeguard portfolios during uncertain market conditions, with the potential for upside if markets recover [6][8] - The utility sector is highlighted for its stability and consistent demand, making it a favorable choice for income-oriented investors [7][8] Company Highlights Ameren Corp. (AEE) - Ameren plans to invest up to $26.3 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance customer reliability and transition to cleaner energy sources [11][12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 6% and 6.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.90% [14] Atmos Energy Corp. (ATO) - Atmos Energy benefits from rising demand for natural gas and has a long-term investment plan to improve pipeline reliability [15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 18.2% and 5.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.37% [17] American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - American Water Works is expanding through acquisitions and new water rates, with pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [21] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 1.1% and 5.9%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.15% [22] Entergy Corp. (ETR) - Entergy plans to invest $37 billion from 2025 to 2028 to modernize its infrastructure and expand renewable capacity [23] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.5% and 6.3%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.90% [25] NiSource Inc. (NI) - NiSource expects to invest $19.4 billion from 2025 to 2029 to modernize infrastructure and aims to retire all coal-generating sources by 2028 [26][27] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 11.1% and 9.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.90% [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted EPS for 2024 was reported at $1.75 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.4% compared to 2023 [16][56] - The adjusted EPS guidance for 2025 has been raised to a range of $1.85 to $1.89 per share, consistent with a 6% to 8% growth outlook [17][58] - The company achieved $367 million in incremental revenue driven by higher rate base investments, partially offset by increased O&M, depreciation, and non-controlling interest [56][64] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NIPSCO electric rate case is driven by nearly $2.5 billion of incremental investment for customers in Northern Indiana [32] - The average residential gas customer bill in Virginia declined by 11% on a total bill basis over the trailing twelve-month period ending December [35] - The company reported an adjusted EPS of $0.49 per share for the fourth quarter, a decrease of $0.04 per share compared to the previous year [56] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has invested $6.9 billion in capital expenditures across six states over the last two years to support system reliability [12] - The base capital plan for 2025-2029 is set at $19.4 billion, with expected rate base growth of 8% to 10% during this period [18][59] - The company has seen strong customer additions and expanded customer usage, contributing $36 million in revenues across electric and gas businesses for the year [57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver safe and reliable energy while maintaining affordable rates through efficient capital deployment and constructive regulatory recovery mechanisms [8][10] - The focus remains on economic development, particularly in Indiana, to attract data center operations, leveraging favorable infrastructure and regulatory conditions [21][24] - The company is actively pursuing a robust portfolio of investment opportunities, including data center strategies, to enhance value for customers and shareholders [53][74] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term growth rates despite external market conditions, supported by a strong regulatory framework [61][70] - The company remains focused on minimizing the financial impact of safety, reliability, and compliance work on customers, projecting less than 5% average annual bill increases [62][66] - The management highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and regulatory processes in supporting their investment strategies [11][30] Other Important Information - NiSource Inc. was named to the 2024 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, marking the eleventh consecutive year of recognition [41] - The company has implemented AI initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, resulting in a 16% increase in work productivity [27] - The company has a strong balance sheet, with FFO to debt for 2024 at 14.6%, up from 14.1% in 2023 [64][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to the Genco filing and risk-sharing considerations? - Management discussed the Genco filing as a regulated entity that allows for flexibility in serving large load customers while protecting existing customers [78][82] Question: What is the timing for commercial arrangements related to data centers? - Management indicated that 2025 is a key year for data center opportunities, with ongoing discussions progressing positively [80][90] Question: Do you need IURC approval for the Genco filing before announcing a deal? - It was clarified that while IURC approval is needed for the Genco entity, it is not required to announce deals with large load customers [110][112] Question: What is the status of the La Porte facility project? - Management confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, but no construction has begun yet [120] Question: How do you view the potential for serving data centers through the gas system? - Management sees significant opportunities to serve data centers through the gas infrastructure, which is robust and reliable [122][123]

SUPPLEMENTAL SLIDES YEAR END 2024 RESULTS February 12, 2025 NiSource | NYSE: NI | nisource.com | This presentation includes financial results and guidance for NiSource with respect to adjusted net income available to common shareholders and adjusted EPS, diluted earnings per share, segment earnings per share/operating income, funds from operations/debt, and earnings CAGR, which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company includes these measures because m ...