Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)
ATO leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though CMS is the cheaper stock.
A side-by-side comparison of Atmos Energy Corporation and CMS Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — ATO vs CMS
growth of $100 · last 30yATO +597.1%CMS +150.4%ATO compounded faster
ATO CMS
ATO vs CMS: by the numbers
- •ATO is the larger company ($28.37B vs $22.73B market cap).
- •CMS trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.16 vs 20.91 P/E).
- •ATO converts more revenue to profit (27.58% vs 12.55% net margin).
- •ATO grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.80% vs 5.66% CAGR).
- •CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.02% vs 2.28%).
Which is better, ATO or CMS?
Metric tally: ATO 9 · CMS 7It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueCMS(lower P/E)
GrowthATO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCMS(higher dividend yield)
QualityATO(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | ATO | CMS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.91 | 20.16● |
| Forward P/E | 18.97 | 17.63● |
| P/S ratio | 5.84 | 2.51● |
| P/B ratio | 1.91● | 2.34 |
| PEG ratio | 2.18● | 3.45 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.73 | 12.67● |
Profitability
| Metric | ATO | CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 51.43% | 64.61%● |
| Operating margin | 35.87%● | 19.53% |
| Net margin | 27.58%● | 12.55% |
| ROE | 9.03% | 11.69%● |
| ROIC | 4.58%● | 3.67% |
Dividends
| Metric | ATO | CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.28% | 3.02%● |
| Payout ratio | 51.33% | 63.03% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ATO | CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.80%● | 5.66% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 9.05%● | 5.90% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 19.32%● | -16.59% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 13.57%● | 7.18% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, ATO or CMS?
- It depends on your goal. value: CMS (lower P/E); growth: ATO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CMS (higher dividend yield); quality: ATO (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ATO leads 9 to 7.
- Is ATO or CMS cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, CMS is cheaper: ATO trades at a 20.91 P/E and CMS at 20.16.
- Which has grown faster, ATO or CMS?
- Over the past five years, ATO grew revenue faster — ATO at a 8.80% CAGR versus CMS at 5.66%.
- Does ATO or CMS pay a bigger dividend?
- ATO yields 2.28% and CMS yields 3.02% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ATO or CMS more profitable?
- ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 27.58% versus CMS at 12.55%.
- Which has been the better investment, ATO or CMS?
- Over the past 10-year, ATO delivered the higher annualized total return — ATO at 10.97% versus CMS at 8.60%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Atmos Energy P/E ratioCMS Energy P/E ratioAtmos Energy dividend yieldCMS Energy dividend yieldAtmos Energy ROECMS Energy ROEAtmos Energy operating marginCMS Energy operating marginAtmos Energy revenue growthCMS Energy revenue growthAtmos Energy free cash flowCMS Energy free cash flow
Atmos Energy & CMS Energy appear in these rankings
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 June 13, 2026.