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 August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
NEE
NextEra Energy, Inc.
$85.91UtilitiesAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc.
$79.41UtilitiesAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — NEE vs XEL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yNEE +261.9% (+13.7%/yr)XEL +160.7% (+10.1%/yr)NEE compounded faster over this window
NEE XEL
NEE vs XEL: by the numbers
- •NEE is the larger company ($179.21B vs $49.60B market cap).
- •NEE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.26 vs 21.64 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 (2.93% vs 2.77%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | NEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.26 | 21.64 |
| Forward P/E | 21.23 | 19.30 |
| P/S ratio | 6.18 | 3.41 |
| P/B ratio | 3.14 | 2.07 |
| EV / EBITDA | 18.14 | 14.41 |
| FCF yield | 1.26% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | NEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 62.80% | 48.84% |
| Operating margin | 29.49% | 20.98% |
| Net margin | 32.04% | 15.28% |
| ROE | 16.28% | 9.28% |
| ROIC | 3.98% | 3.74% |
Dividends
| Metric | NEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.77% | 2.93% |
| Payout ratio | 71.89% | 67.59% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | NEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 11.51% | 2.79% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.31% | 4.20% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 70.34% | -15.80% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.99% | 5.83% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, NEE or XEL?
- NEE has the lower trailing P/E: NEE trades at 19.26 and XEL at 21.64. 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 2.77% and XEL yields 2.93% 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 13.49% and XEL delivered 9.79% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
NextEra Energy P/E ratioXcel Energy P/E ratioNextEra Energy dividend yieldXcel Energy dividend yieldNextEra Energy ROEXcel Energy ROENextEra Energy operating marginXcel Energy operating marginNextEra Energy revenue growthXcel Energy revenue growthNextEra Energy free cash flowXcel Energy free cash flow
NextEra 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 August 20, 2026.