Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) vs Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

A side-by-side comparison of Duke Energy Corporation and Xcel Energy Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnDUK vs XEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
DUK +1085.7%XEL +1173.0%XEL compounded faster
05001kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,186$1,273
DUK XEL

DUK vs XEL: by the numbers

  • DUK is the larger company ($100.42B vs $49.20B market cap).
  • DUK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.79 vs 22.95 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • DUK converts more revenue to profit (15.44% vs 14.14% net margin).
  • DUK grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.70% vs 3.82% CAGR).
  • DUK pays the higher dividend yield (3.30% vs 2.89%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDUKXEL
P/E ratio19.7922.95
Forward P/E19.2919.53
P/S ratio3.023.40
P/B ratio1.852.11
PEG ratio1.775.46
EV / EBITDA12.4014.89
FCF yield6.56%N/A

Profitability

MetricDUKXEL
Gross margin31.56%18.91%
Operating margin26.98%19.85%
Net margin15.44%14.14%
ROE9.44%8.78%
ROIC4.13%3.77%

Dividends

MetricDUKXEL
Dividend yield3.30%2.89%
Payout ratio67.51%67.59%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDUKXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.70%3.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)29.69%4.20%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.20%6.51%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, DUK or XEL?
DUK has the lower trailing P/E: DUK trades at 19.79 and XEL at 22.95. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, DUK or XEL?
Over the past five years, DUK grew revenue faster — DUK at a 6.70% CAGR versus XEL at 3.82%.
Does DUK or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
DUK yields 3.30% and XEL yields 2.89% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is DUK or XEL more profitable?
DUK runs the higher net margin — DUK at 15.44% versus XEL at 14.14%.
How have DUK and XEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, DUK delivered 8.58% and XEL delivered 9.57% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 29, 2026.