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 30yATO +597.1%CNP +120.1%ATO compounded faster
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 3It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueATO(lower P/E)
GrowthATO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeATO(higher dividend yield)
QualityATO(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | ATO | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.91● | 26.32 |
| Forward P/E | 18.97● | 20.61 |
| P/S ratio | 5.84 | 3.00● |
| P/B ratio | 1.91● | 2.47 |
| PEG ratio | 2.18● | 12.53 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.73 | 13.66● |
Profitability
| Metric | ATO | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 51.43%● | 41.30% |
| Operating margin | 35.87%● | 22.51% |
| Net margin | 27.58%● | 11.38% |
| ROE | 9.03% | 9.35%● |
| ROIC | 4.58%● | 3.96% |
Dividends
| Metric | ATO | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.28%● | 2.10% |
| Payout ratio | 51.33% | 55.90% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ATO | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Atmos Energy P/E ratioCenterPoint Energy P/E ratioAtmos Energy dividend yieldCenterPoint Energy dividend yieldAtmos Energy ROECenterPoint Energy ROEAtmos Energy operating marginCenterPoint Energy operating marginAtmos Energy revenue growthCenterPoint Energy revenue growthAtmos Energy free cash flowCenterPoint Energy free cash flow
Atmos Energy & CenterPoint 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.