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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$119.42UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc.
$75.50UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — DUK vs XEL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yDUK +124.9% (+8.4%/yr)XEL +146.3% (+9.4%/yr)XEL compounded faster over this window
DUK XEL
DUK vs XEL: by the numbers
- •DUK is the larger company ($93.10B vs $47.16B market cap).
- •DUK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.93 vs 20.57 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •DUK converts more revenue to profit (15.72% vs 15.28% net margin).
- •DUK grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.46% vs 2.79% CAGR).
- •DUK pays the higher dividend yield (3.59% vs 3.05%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | DUK | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 17.93 | 20.57 |
| Forward P/E | 17.79 | 18.35 |
| P/S ratio | 2.79 | 3.23 |
| P/B ratio | 1.70 | 1.96 |
| EV / EBITDA | 11.73 | 13.98 |
Profitability
| Metric | DUK | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 31.56% | 48.84% |
| Operating margin | 27.60% | 20.98% |
| Net margin | 15.72% | 15.28% |
| ROE | 9.58% | 9.28% |
| ROIC | 4.20% | 3.74% |
Dividends
| Metric | DUK | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.59% | 3.05% |
| Payout ratio | 64.26% | 63.35% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | DUK | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.46% | 2.79% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 29.69% | 4.20% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -15.80% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.99% | 5.22% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, DUK or XEL?
- DUK has the lower trailing P/E: DUK trades at 17.93 and XEL at 20.57. 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 6.46% CAGR versus XEL at 2.79%.
- Does DUK or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
- DUK yields 3.59% and XEL yields 3.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is DUK or XEL more profitable?
- DUK runs the higher net margin — DUK at 15.72% versus XEL at 15.28%.
- How have DUK and XEL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, DUK delivered 8.66% and XEL delivered 9.77% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Duke Energy P/E ratioXcel Energy P/E ratioDuke Energy dividend yieldXcel Energy dividend yieldDuke Energy ROEXcel Energy ROEDuke Energy operating marginXcel Energy operating marginDuke Energy revenue growthXcel Energy revenue growthDuke Energy free cash flowXcel Energy free cash flow
Duke Energy & Xcel Energy appear in these rankings
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 September 11, 2026.