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.

Compare

Total return — ATO vs NRG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ATO +165.8% (+10.3%/yr)NRG +967.4% (+26.7%/yr)NRG compounded faster over this window
05001k2k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$266$1,067
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

MetricATONRG
P/E ratio18.7124.99
Forward P/E17.4010.71
PEG ratio2.121.77
P/S ratio5.330.55
P/B ratio1.724.14
EV / EBITDA13.8510.36
FCF yieldN/A1.73%

Profitability

MetricATONRG
Gross margin52.37%16.42%
Operating margin36.97%5.38%
Net margin28.50%2.31%
ROE9.19%17.49%
ROIC4.81%5.38%

Dividends

MetricATONRG
Dividend yield2.55%1.96%
Payout ratio47.62%48.95%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATONRG
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.

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.