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 July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnATO vs AWK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 18y
ATO +1058.7%AWK +943.5%ATO compounded faster
05001kStart $100201120142017202020232026$1,159$1,044
ATO AWK

ATO vs AWK: by the numbers

  • ATO is the larger company ($29.66B vs $26.97B market cap).
  • ATO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.85 vs 23.89 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ATO converts more revenue to profit (27.58% vs 21.35% net margin).
  • ATO grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.80% vs 6.32% CAGR).
  • AWK pays the higher dividend yield (2.45% vs 2.18%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricATOAWK
P/E ratio21.8523.89
Forward P/E21.0622.72
P/S ratio6.115.12
P/B ratio2.002.32
PEG ratio2.183.98
EV / EBITDA15.6514.94

Profitability

MetricATOAWK
Gross margin51.43%44.38%
Operating margin35.87%36.94%
Net margin27.58%21.35%
ROE9.03%9.67%
ROIC4.58%4.21%

Dividends

MetricATOAWK
Dividend yield2.18%2.45%
Payout ratio51.33%59.25%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATOAWK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.80%6.32%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.05%7.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.95%-2.13%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ATO or AWK?
ATO has the lower trailing P/E: ATO trades at 21.85 and AWK at 23.89. 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 8.80% CAGR versus AWK at 6.32%.
Does ATO or AWK pay a bigger dividend?
ATO yields 2.18% and AWK yields 2.45% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ATO or AWK more profitable?
ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 27.58% versus AWK at 21.35%.
How have ATO and AWK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ATO delivered 10.92% and AWK delivered 7.36% 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 July 30, 2026.