Compare Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Atmos Energy Corporation vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Atmos Energy Corporation trades at $169.78 (market cap $28.59B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $119.73 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ATO | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $28.59B | $43.14B |
Sector | Utilities | Industrials |
52-Week High | $192.25 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $162.44 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $38.40B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 3.92% |
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 $169.68, up 1.05% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including a 28.5% net income margin and consistent dividend payments. Recent Q3 2026 earnings beat estimates with EPS of $1.43 versus $1.35 expected, and the company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance. The stock shows neutral oscillators but bearish moving averages, with key support at $168.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is a Buy with a $190.57 price target, but technical indicators suggest near-term caution. Risks include high capital expenditures impacting cash flow and interest rate sensitivity. Upside potential hinges on execution of rate hikes and infrastructure investments, while downside risks involve regulatory changes and economic slowdowns.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $119.93, down 1.03% today, with a bullish technical outlook and strong profitability. Recent quarters show consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS expected at $1.33. The company maintains robust margins, including a 27.03% net income margin, and pays a steady dividend of $1.19 quarterly. Cash flow trends indicate operational strength, though 2025 saw significant investing outflows.
The stock presents a mixed outlook: solid fundamentals and dividend appeal are offset by a consensus 'Hold' rating and a price target below the current level. Risks include high valuation multiples and potential economic sensitivity for small business clients. Upside depends on sustained earnings growth and market sentiment shifts.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
