Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)vsNorthwest Natural Gas Co (NWN)
ATO
Atmos Energy Corporation
$181.55
-0.01%
UTILITIES · Cap: $30.04B
NWN
Northwest Natural Gas Co
$52.47
+0.42%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Atmos Energy Corporation generates 278% more annual revenue ($4.87B vs $1.29B). ATO leads profitability with a 25.7% profit margin vs 8.8%. ATO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.16. NWN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ATO
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NWN
Buy64
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
+61.1%
Fair Value
$125.65
Current Price
$52.47
$73.18 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 25.4%
Earnings expanding 24.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : NWN
The strongest argument for NWN 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 : NWN
The primary concerns for NWN are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ATO profiles as a mature stock while NWN is a value 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.
NWN generates stronger free cash flow (-131M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ATO scores higher overall (64/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 25.7% margins and 14.2% revenue growth. NWN offers better value entry with a 61.1% 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.
Northwest Natural Gas Co
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Northwest Natural Holding Company, through its subsidiary, Northwest Natural Gas Company, provides regulated natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
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