FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) vs Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

FE leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though XEL is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of FirstEnergy Corp. and Xcel Energy Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — FE vs XEL

growth of $100 · last 30y
FE +124.0%XEL +243.5%XEL compounded faster
0100200300400Start $100200120062011201620212026$224$344
FE XEL

FE vs XEL: by the numbers

  • XEL is the larger company ($49.45B vs $27.20B market cap).
  • XEL trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.63 vs 25.63 P/E).
  • XEL converts more revenue to profit (14.14% vs 6.86% net margin).
  • FE grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.52% vs 3.82% CAGR).
  • FE pays the higher dividend yield (3.83% vs 2.93%).

Which is better, FE or XEL?

Metric tally: FE 9 · XEL 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueXEL(lower P/E)
GrowthFE(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeFE(higher dividend yield)
QualityFE(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFEXEL
P/E ratio25.6322.63
Forward P/E15.9717.45
P/S ratio1.763.35
P/B ratio2.162.08
PEG ratio6.155.39
EV / EBITDA12.3214.00
FCF yield6.58%

Profitability

MetricFEXEL
Gross margin53.77%18.91%
Operating margin18.72%19.85%
Net margin6.86%14.14%
ROE8.42%8.78%
ROIC4.46%3.77%

Dividends

MetricFEXEL
Dividend yield3.83%2.93%
Payout ratio101.69%67.59%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFEXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.52%3.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.32%4.20%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.07%-15.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.26%5.94%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FE or XEL?
It depends on your goal. value: XEL (lower P/E); growth: FE (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: FE (higher dividend yield); quality: FE (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FE leads 9 to 7.
Is FE or XEL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, XEL is cheaper: FE trades at a 25.63 P/E and XEL at 22.63.
Which has grown faster, FE or XEL?
Over the past five years, FE grew revenue faster — FE at a 7.52% CAGR versus XEL at 3.82%.
Does FE or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
FE yields 3.83% and XEL yields 2.93% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FE or XEL more profitable?
XEL runs the higher net margin — FE at 6.86% versus XEL at 14.14%.
Which has been the better investment, FE or XEL?
Over the past 10-year, XEL delivered the higher annualized total return — FE at 7.77% versus XEL at 9.68%. 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 June 14, 2026.