Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs PPL Corporation (PPL)

ATO leads on 9 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Atmos Energy Corporation and PPL Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ATO vs PPL

growth of $100 · last 30y
ATO +596.9%PPL +252.5%ATO compounded faster
200400600800Start $100200120062011201620212026$697$353
ATO PPL

ATO vs PPL: by the numbers

  • ATO is the larger company ($28.49B vs $27.37B market cap).
  • ATO trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.86 vs 22.18 P/E).
  • ATO converts more revenue to profit (27.58% vs 13.09% net margin).
  • PPL pays the higher dividend yield (3.06% vs 2.28%).

Which is better, ATO or PPL?

Metric tally: ATO 9 · PPL 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueATO(lower P/E)
IncomePPL(higher dividend yield)
QualityATO(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricATOPPL
P/E ratio20.8622.18
Forward P/E18.9317.17
P/S ratio5.832.96
P/B ratio1.911.83
PEG ratio2.180.66
EV / EBITDA14.7112.21

Profitability

MetricATOPPL
Gross margin51.43%35.20%
Operating margin35.87%23.53%
Net margin27.58%13.09%
ROE9.03%8.12%
ROIC4.58%4.07%

Dividends

MetricATOPPL
Dividend yield2.28%3.06%
Payout ratio51.33%69.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricATOPPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.80%8.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.05%-3.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)19.32%-4.92%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.95%8.68%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ATO or PPL?
It depends on your goal. value: ATO (lower P/E); income: PPL (higher dividend yield); quality: ATO (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ATO leads 9 to 6.
Is ATO or PPL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ATO is cheaper: ATO trades at a 20.86 P/E and PPL at 22.18.
Which has grown faster, ATO or PPL?
Over the past five years, PPL grew revenue faster — ATO at a 8.80% CAGR versus PPL at 8.87%.
Does ATO or PPL pay a bigger dividend?
ATO yields 2.28% and PPL yields 3.06% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ATO or PPL more profitable?
ATO runs the higher net margin — ATO at 27.58% versus PPL at 13.09%.
Which has been the better investment, ATO or PPL?
Over the past 10-year, ATO delivered the higher annualized total return — ATO at 10.97% versus PPL at 3.77%. 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 16, 2026.