Compare Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Atmos Energy Corporation vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Atmos Energy Corporation trades at $169.48 (market cap $28.59B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $133.51 (market cap $321.77B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 11.3× Atmos Energy Corporation's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ATO | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $28.59B | $321.77B |
Sector | Utilities | Health |
52-Week High | $192.25 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $162.44 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $38.40B | $368.53B |
Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 2.61% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Atmos Energy (ATO) trades at $167.92, down 1.33% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company reported Q3 2026 EPS of $1.43, beating estimates of $1.35, with revenue growth of 4.8% year-over-year. Strong profitability metrics include a 28.5% net income margin and 62.2% gross margin, while valuation ratios show a P/E of 20.2 and P/S of 5.7. Recent corporate developments include board appointments and dividend declarations of $1.00 per share.
ATO presents a mixed outlook with solid fundamentals and analyst support but faces technical headwinds. The consensus price target of $190.57 suggests 13.5% upside potential, supported by 45% buy ratings. Risks include high capital expenditures impacting cash flow and debt levels near $7.9 billion. Earnings growth and rate approvals provide catalysts, though the stock's bearish technical trend warrants caution near-term.
Merck & Co. (MRK) trades at $133.64, up 2.09% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong institutional buying interest. The company reported solid earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 EPS expected at $2.27. Revenue for 2025 reached $65.01B, and net income was $18.25B, though the P/E ratio of 104.34 suggests high valuation expectations. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline.
Outlook: MRK's growth is supported by strategic acquisitions and a dominant oncology franchise, but risks include high valuation multiples and competitive pressures. The consensus price target of $140.36 implies modest upside, with 68% of analysts rating it a Buy. Investors should monitor execution on the Terns integration and Q3 earnings results for catalysts.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Atmos Energy Corporation
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 →About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
