Atmos Energy (ATO) vs National Fuel Gas (NFG)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Atmos Energy (ATO) has outperformed National Fuel Gas (NFG) over the past year, losing 9.0% versus a loss of 12.9%. Over five years, ATO leads with a +71.2% price change compared with +34.4% for NFG. Atmos Energy is the larger company by market cap ($27.13 billion vs $7.48 billion), about 3.6 times the size, while National Fuel Gas is growing revenue faster (+17.1% vs +12.9%).
On valuation, National Fuel Gas trades at a lower forward P/E (10.5x vs 17.8x for Atmos Energy). National Fuel Gas offers the higher dividend yield (2.74% vs 2.41%). Atmos Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 25.5% versus 22.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ATO | NFG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $160.53 | $78.70 |
| Market cap | $27.13B | $7.48B |
| 1-day change | +0.83% | +1.31% |
| YTD return | -5.02% | -2.97% |
| 1-year return | -8.98% | -12.89% |
| 5-year return | +71.19% | +34.42% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.13 | 10.96 |
| Forward P/E | 17.78 | 10.53 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.39 | $7.18 |
| Dividend yield | 2.41% | 2.74% |
| Annual dividend | $3.87 | $2.16 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.70B | $2.28B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +12.91% | +17.11% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.20B | $518.50M |
| Gross margin | — | 90.63% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 35.72% |
| Net margin | 25.49% | 22.77% |
| 52-week high | $192.51 | $97.06 |
| 52-week low | $154.72 | $75.03 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.61% | -18.92% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +15.24% | +18.18% |
| Average volume | 1.02M | 709.22K |
| Shares outstanding | 168.99M | 95.05M |
| Employees | 5,487 | 2,322 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Oil/Gas Transmission | Oil/Gas Transmission |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Atmos Energy is about 3.6 times larger than National Fuel Gas by market value ($27.13B vs $7.48B).
- Atmos Energy trades at a higher earnings multiple (19.1x vs 11.0x trailing P/E).
About Atmos Energy
ATO stock →Atmos Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated natural gas distribution, and pipeline and storage businesses in the United States. It operates through two segments, Distribution, and Pipeline and Storage.
Utilities · Oil/Gas Transmission · 5,487 employees
About National Fuel Gas
NFG stock →National Fuel Gas Company operates as a diversified energy company. It operates through Integrated Upstream and Gathering, Pipeline and Storage, and Utility segments.
Utilities · Oil/Gas Transmission · 2,322 employees
ATO vs NFG FAQ
Which is bigger, Atmos Energy or National Fuel Gas?
Atmos Energy (ATO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $27.13B compared with $7.48B for National Fuel Gas (NFG).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ATO or NFG?
ATO returned -8.98% over the past 12 months, compared with -12.89% for NFG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ATO or NFG?
NFG has the lower trailing P/E at 11.0, versus 19.1 for ATO. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Atmos Energy or National Fuel Gas?
National Fuel Gas has the higher yield at 2.74%, compared with 2.41% for Atmos Energy.
Are Atmos Energy and National Fuel Gas in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Oil/Gas Transmission industry within the Utilities sector.