Entergy Corporation (ETR) vs Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

A side-by-side comparison of Entergy 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.

Compare

Total returnETR vs XEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ETR +294.5% (+14.7%/yr)XEL +146.3% (+9.4%/yr)ETR compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$395$246
ETR XEL

ETR vs XEL: by the numbers

  • ETR is the larger company ($49.15B vs $47.16B market cap).
  • XEL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.57 vs 27.01 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • XEL converts more revenue to profit (15.28% vs 13.48% net margin).
  • ETR grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.27% vs 2.79% CAGR).
  • XEL pays the higher dividend yield (3.05% vs 2.42%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricETRXEL
P/E ratio27.0120.57
Forward P/E23.9418.35
P/S ratio3.653.23
P/B ratio2.661.96
EV / EBITDA15.2413.98

Profitability

MetricETRXEL
Gross margin29.91%48.84%
Operating margin22.22%20.98%
Net margin13.48%15.28%
ROE9.85%9.28%
ROIC3.24%3.74%

Dividends

MetricETRXEL
Dividend yield2.42%3.05%
Payout ratio65.64%63.35%

Growth (annualized)

MetricETRXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.27%2.79%
EPS CAGR (5Y)2.78%4.20%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-28.10%-15.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.63%5.22%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ETR or XEL?
XEL has the lower trailing P/E: ETR trades at 27.01 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, ETR or XEL?
Over the past five years, ETR grew revenue faster — ETR at a 4.27% CAGR versus XEL at 2.79%.
Does ETR or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
ETR yields 2.42% and XEL yields 3.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ETR or XEL more profitable?
XEL runs the higher net margin — ETR at 13.48% versus XEL at 15.28%.
How have ETR and XEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ETR delivered 14.77% and XEL delivered 9.77% 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 September 11, 2026.