NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) vs Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

A side-by-side comparison of NextEra Energy, Inc. and Xcel Energy Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — NEE vs XEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NEE +223.1% (+12.4%/yr)XEL +132.0% (+8.8%/yr)NEE compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$323$232
NEE XEL

NEE vs XEL: by the numbers

  • •NEE is the larger company ($160.27B vs $44.60B market cap).
  • •NEE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.23 vs 19.46 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •NEE converts more revenue to profit (32.04% vs 15.28% net margin).
  • •NEE grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.51% vs 2.79% CAGR).
  • •XEL pays the higher dividend yield (3.29% vs 3.17%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNEEXEL
P/E ratio17.2319.46
Forward P/E19.3417.35
PEG ratio0.994.68
P/S ratio5.523.05
P/B ratio2.811.85
EV / EBITDA16.9313.56

Profitability

MetricNEEXEL
Gross margin62.80%48.84%
Operating margin29.49%20.98%
Net margin32.04%15.28%
ROE16.28%9.28%
ROIC3.98%3.74%

Dividends

MetricNEEXEL
Dividend yield3.17%3.29%
Payout ratio54.62%63.96%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNEEXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.51%2.79%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.31%4.20%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.09%6.05%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, NEE or XEL?
NEE has the lower trailing P/E: NEE trades at 17.23 and XEL at 19.46. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, NEE or XEL?
Over the past five years, NEE grew revenue faster — NEE at a 11.51% CAGR versus XEL at 2.79%.
Does NEE or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
NEE yields 3.17% and XEL yields 3.29% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NEE or XEL more profitable?
NEE runs the higher net margin — NEE at 32.04% versus XEL at 15.28%.
How have NEE and XEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, NEE delivered 12.48% and XEL delivered 8.95% 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 October 3, 2026.