Atmos Energy Corporation vs Centene Corp — how do they compare? Atmos Energy Corporation trades at $168.76 (market cap $28.38B), while Centene Corp trades at $65.66 (market cap $32.89B). The key difference: Centene Corp is the larger of the two by market cap, and Atmos Energy Corporation pays a 2.38% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ATO | CNC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $28.38B | $32.89B |
Sector | Utilities | Health |
52-Week High | $192.25 | $68.72 |
52-Week Low | $162.44 | $26.17 |
Enterprise Value | $38.18B | $21.93B |
Dividend Yield | 2.38% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Atmos Energy (ATO) trades at $170.19, down 1.04% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $1.43, beating expectations by 5.9%, and maintains strong fundamentals with 28.5% net income margin and $4.70B revenue. Recent board appointments and dividend declarations highlight corporate stability, while analyst consensus targets $190.57 with 45% buy ratings.
ATO presents a mixed outlook with solid earnings growth and dividend stability offset by bearish technical indicators and negative cash flow trends. The stock offers value through consistent profitability and infrastructure investments, though investors face risks from high capital expenditures and debt levels that could pressure future returns.
Centene (CNC) trades at $65.77, up 2.48% with a bullish technical signal. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $2.51 versus $1.09 estimate, driven by margin recovery and cost control. Revenue grew to $194.78B in 2025, though net income was negative at -$6.67B. Valuation ratios are attractive with P/E of 8.06 and P/S of 0.16. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with 61.37% buy ratings and a $70.36 price target.
Outlook is positive due to raised 2026 guidance and operational improvements, but risks include Medicaid membership softness and persistent negative margins. The stock offers value potential if profitability rebounds as projected, though investors should monitor medical cost trends and regulatory changes affecting government healthcare programs.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Atmos Energy is the largest publicly traded, fully regulated, pure-play natural gas utility in the United States, serving more than 3 million customers in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia. About two thirds of its earnings come from Texas, where it distributes natural gas in northern Texas and owns an intrastate gas pipeline spanning several key shale gas formations and interconnected with five storage facilities.
Read more on ATO →Centene is a managed-care organization focused on government-sponsored healthcare plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the individual exchanges. Centene served 22 million medical members as of September 2021, mostly in Medicaid (68% of membership), the individual exchanges (10%), Medicare Advantage (6%), and the balance in Tricare (West region), correctional facility, and international plans. The company also serves 4 million users through the Medicare Part D pharmaceutical program.
Read more on CNC →