Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP)

A side-by-side comparison of Atmos Energy Corporation and CenterPoint Energy, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnATO vs CNP

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
ATO +2332.4%CNP +881.8%ATO compounded faster
01k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,432$982
ATO CNP

ATO vs CNP: by the numbers

  • ATO is the larger company ($29.94B vs $28.85B market cap).
  • ATO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.92 vs 27.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ATO converts more revenue to profit (27.58% vs 11.61% net margin).
  • ATO grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.80% vs 3.85% CAGR).
  • ATO pays the higher dividend yield (2.17% vs 2.04%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricATOCNP
P/E ratio21.9227.00
Forward P/E21.1223.04
P/S ratio6.133.08
P/B ratio2.012.53
PEG ratio2.1812.54
EV / EBITDA15.6814.30

Profitability

MetricATOCNP
Gross margin51.43%28.71%
Operating margin35.87%23.24%
Net margin27.58%11.61%
ROE9.03%9.53%
ROIC4.58%3.96%

Dividends

MetricATOCNP
Dividend yield2.17%2.04%
Payout ratio51.33%55.90%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATOCNP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.80%3.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.05%3.11%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.40%14.20%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ATO or CNP?
ATO has the lower trailing P/E: ATO trades at 21.92 and CNP at 27.00. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ATO or CNP?
Over the past five years, ATO grew revenue faster — ATO at a 8.80% CAGR versus CNP at 3.85%.
Does ATO or CNP pay a bigger dividend?
ATO yields 2.17% and CNP yields 2.04% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ATO or CNP more profitable?
ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 27.58% versus CNP at 11.61%.
How have ATO and CNP total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ATO delivered 11.23% and CNP delivered 9.71% 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 28, 2026.