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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnATO vs CNP

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ATO +176.7% (+10.7%/yr)CNP +125.8% (+8.5%/yr)ATO compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$277$226
ATO CNP

ATO vs CNP: by the numbers

  • ATO is the larger company ($27.24B vs $25.76B market cap).
  • ATO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.43 vs 23.01 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ATO converts more revenue to profit (28.50% vs 11.61% net margin).
  • ATO grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.23% vs 3.85% CAGR).
  • ATO pays the higher dividend yield (2.43% vs 2.35%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricATOCNP
P/E ratio19.4323.01
Forward P/E19.3020.45
P/S ratio5.532.68
P/B ratio1.792.20
EV / EBITDA14.2413.02

Profitability

MetricATOCNP
Gross margin52.37%28.71%
Operating margin36.97%23.24%
Net margin28.50%11.61%
ROE9.19%9.53%
ROIC4.81%4.14%

Dividends

MetricATOCNP
Dividend yield2.43%2.35%
Payout ratio47.62%54.12%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATOCNP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.23%3.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.05%3.11%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.90%11.09%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ATO or CNP?
ATO has the lower trailing P/E: ATO trades at 19.43 and CNP at 23.01. 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 8.23% CAGR versus CNP at 3.85%.
Does ATO or CNP pay a bigger dividend?
ATO yields 2.43% and CNP yields 2.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ATO or CNP more profitable?
ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 28.50% versus CNP at 11.61%.
How have ATO and CNP total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ATO delivered 11.25% and CNP delivered 8.97% 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.