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

ATO leads on 13 of 16 compared metrics.

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 June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — ATO vs CNP

growth of $100 · last 30y
ATO +597.1%CNP +120.1%ATO compounded faster
0200400600800Start $100200120062011201620212026$697$220
ATO CNP

ATO vs CNP: by the numbers

  • ATO is the larger company ($28.37B vs $28.06B market cap).
  • ATO trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.91 vs 26.32 P/E).
  • ATO converts more revenue to profit (27.58% vs 11.38% net margin).
  • ATO grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.80% vs 3.83% CAGR).
  • ATO pays the higher dividend yield (2.28% vs 2.10%).

Which is better, ATO or CNP?

Metric tally: ATO 13 · CNP 3

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueATO(lower P/E)
GrowthATO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeATO(higher dividend yield)
QualityATO(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricATOCNP
P/E ratio20.9126.32
Forward P/E18.9720.61
P/S ratio5.843.00
P/B ratio1.912.47
PEG ratio2.1812.53
EV / EBITDA14.7313.66

Profitability

MetricATOCNP
Gross margin51.43%41.30%
Operating margin35.87%22.51%
Net margin27.58%11.38%
ROE9.03%9.35%
ROIC4.58%3.96%

Dividends

MetricATOCNP
Dividend yield2.28%2.10%
Payout ratio51.33%55.90%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATOCNP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.80%3.83%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.05%3.11%
FCF CAGR (5Y)19.32%-7.60%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.57%13.21%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ATO or CNP?
It depends on your goal. value: ATO (lower P/E); growth: ATO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ATO (higher dividend yield); quality: ATO (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ATO leads 13 to 3.
Is ATO or CNP cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ATO is cheaper: ATO trades at a 20.91 P/E and CNP at 26.32.
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 3.83%.
Does ATO or CNP pay a bigger dividend?
ATO yields 2.28% and CNP yields 2.10% 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 11.38%.
Which has been the better investment, ATO or CNP?
Over the past 10-year, ATO delivered the higher annualized total return — ATO at 10.97% versus CNP at 9.78%. 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 June 13, 2026.