Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG)
A side-by-side comparison of Atmos Energy Corporation and NRG Energy, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ATO
Atmos Energy Corporation
$157.17UtilitiesDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NRG
NRG Energy, Inc.
$95.23UtilitiesDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ATO vs NRG
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yATO +165.8% (+10.3%/yr)NRG +967.4% (+26.7%/yr)NRG compounded faster over this window
ATO NRG
ATO vs NRG: by the numbers
- •ATO is the larger company ($26.23B vs $20.09B market cap).
- •ATO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.71 vs 24.99 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ATO converts more revenue to profit (28.50% vs 2.31% net margin).
- •NRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.13% vs 8.23% CAGR).
- •ATO pays the higher dividend yield (2.55% vs 1.96%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ATO | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 18.71 | 24.99 |
| Forward P/E | 17.40 | 10.71 |
| PEG ratio | 2.12 | 1.77 |
| P/S ratio | 5.33 | 0.55 |
| P/B ratio | 1.72 | 4.14 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.85 | 10.36 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 1.73% |
Profitability
| Metric | ATO | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 52.37% | 16.42% |
| Operating margin | 36.97% | 5.38% |
| Net margin | 28.50% | 2.31% |
| ROE | 9.19% | 17.49% |
| ROIC | 4.81% | 5.38% |
Dividends
| Metric | ATO | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.55% | 1.96% |
| Payout ratio | 47.62% | 48.95% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ATO | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.23% | 15.13% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 9.05% | 14.48% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -22.77% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.89% | 21.69% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ATO or NRG?
- ATO has the lower trailing P/E: ATO trades at 18.71 and NRG at 24.99. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, ATO or NRG?
- Over the past five years, NRG grew revenue faster — ATO at a 8.23% CAGR versus NRG at 15.13%.
- Does ATO or NRG pay a bigger dividend?
- ATO yields 2.55% and NRG yields 1.96% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ATO or NRG more profitable?
- ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 28.50% versus NRG at 2.31%.
- How have ATO and NRG total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, ATO delivered 10.33% and NRG delivered 26.43% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Atmos Energy P/E ratioNRG Energy P/E ratioAtmos Energy dividend yieldNRG Energy dividend yieldAtmos Energy ROENRG Energy ROEAtmos Energy operating marginNRG Energy operating marginAtmos Energy revenue growthNRG Energy revenue growthAtmos Energy free cash flowNRG Energy free cash flow
Atmos Energy & NRG 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 October 4, 2026.