Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK)

A side-by-side comparison of Atmos Energy Corporation and American Water Works Company, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnATO vs AWK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ATO +176.4% (+10.7%/yr)AWK +131.3% (+8.7%/yr)ATO compounded faster over this window
100150200250300Start $10020182020202220242026$276$231
ATO AWK

ATO vs AWK: by the numbers

  • AWK is the larger company ($27.36B vs $27.24B market cap).
  • ATO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.43 vs 23.82 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ATO converts more revenue to profit (28.50% vs 21.35% net margin).
  • ATO grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.23% vs 6.32% CAGR).
  • AWK pays the higher dividend yield (2.46% vs 2.43%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricATOAWK
P/E ratio19.4323.82
Forward P/E19.3022.64
P/S ratio5.535.18
P/B ratio1.792.35
EV / EBITDA14.2414.98

Profitability

MetricATOAWK
Gross margin52.37%47.20%
Operating margin36.97%36.94%
Net margin28.50%21.35%
ROE9.19%9.67%
ROIC4.81%4.35%

Dividends

MetricATOAWK
Dividend yield2.43%2.46%
Payout ratio47.62%59.60%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATOAWK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.23%6.32%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.05%7.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.90%-3.36%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ATO or AWK?
ATO has the lower trailing P/E: ATO trades at 19.43 and AWK at 23.82. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ATO or AWK?
Over the past five years, ATO grew revenue faster — ATO at a 8.23% CAGR versus AWK at 6.32%.
Does ATO or AWK pay a bigger dividend?
ATO yields 2.43% and AWK yields 2.46% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ATO or AWK more profitable?
ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 28.50% versus AWK at 21.35%.
How have ATO and AWK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ATO delivered 11.25% and AWK delivered 8.93% annualized total return. 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 September 10, 2026.