Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs NiSource Inc. (NI)

NI leads on 8 of 15 compared metrics, though ATO is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Atmos Energy Corporation and NiSource Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ATO vs NI

growth of $100 · last 30y
ATO +592.2%NI +559.3%ATO compounded faster
0200400600800Start $100200120062011201620212026$692$659
ATO NI

ATO vs NI: by the numbers

  • ATO is the larger company ($28.31B vs $22.76B market cap).
  • ATO trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.86 vs 23.62 P/E).
  • ATO converts more revenue to profit (27.58% vs 14.10% net margin).
  • ATO grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.80% vs 8.10% CAGR).
  • NI pays the higher dividend yield (2.44% vs 2.28%).

Which is better, ATO or NI?

Metric tally: ATO 7 · NI 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricATONI
P/E ratio20.8623.62
Forward P/E18.9321.20
P/S ratio5.833.35
P/B ratio1.912.36
PEG ratio2.181.05
EV / EBITDA14.7112.66

Profitability

MetricATONI
Gross margin51.43%55.92%
Operating margin35.87%27.78%
Net margin27.58%14.10%
ROE9.03%9.96%
ROIC4.58%4.51%

Dividends

MetricATONI
Dividend yield2.28%2.44%
Payout ratio51.33%59.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATONI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.80%8.10%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.05%14.27%
FCF CAGR (5Y)19.32%-7.40%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.71%16.40%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ATO or NI?
It depends on your goal. value: ATO (lower P/E); growth: ATO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NI (higher dividend yield). Across all compared metrics, NI leads 8 to 7.
Is ATO or NI cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ATO is cheaper: ATO trades at a 20.86 P/E and NI at 23.62.
Which has grown faster, ATO or NI?
Over the past five years, ATO grew revenue faster — ATO at a 8.80% CAGR versus NI at 8.10%.
Does ATO or NI pay a bigger dividend?
ATO yields 2.28% and NI yields 2.44% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ATO or NI more profitable?
ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 27.58% versus NI at 14.10%.
Which has been the better investment, ATO or NI?
Over the past 10-year, ATO delivered the higher annualized total return — ATO at 10.95% versus NI at 9.98%. 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 15, 2026.