Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)vsMDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)
ATO
Atmos Energy Corporation
$181.55
-0.01%
UTILITIES · Cap: $30.04B
MDU
MDU Resources Group Inc
$20.55
+0.54%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Atmos Energy Corporation generates 160% more annual revenue ($4.87B vs $1.88B). ATO leads profitability with a 25.7% profit margin vs 10.2%. ATO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.16. ATO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ATO
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
MDU
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-5.2%
Fair Value
$167.29
Current Price
$181.55
$14.26 premium
Margin of Safety
+52.9%
Fair Value
$43.52
Current Price
$20.55
$22.97 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 38.9%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.2%
Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 0.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ATO
The strongest argument for ATO centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.7% and operating margin at 38.9%. Revenue growth of 14.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MDU
The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : ATO
The primary concerns for ATO are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : MDU
The primary concerns for MDU are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ATO profiles as a mature stock while MDU is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
ATO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.
ATO is growing revenue faster at 14.2% — sustainability is the question.
MDU generates stronger free cash flow (-358M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ATO scores higher overall (64/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 25.7% margins and 14.2% revenue growth. MDU offers better value entry with a 52.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Atmos Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the United States' largest natural-gas-only distributors.
MDU Resources Group Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
MDU Resources Group, Inc. is involved in the regulated power supply and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.
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