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.

Compare

Total returnNEE vs XEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NEE +261.9% (+13.7%/yr)XEL +160.7% (+10.1%/yr)NEE compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$362$261
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

MetricNEEXEL
P/E ratio19.2621.64
Forward P/E21.2319.30
P/S ratio6.183.41
P/B ratio3.142.07
EV / EBITDA18.1414.41
FCF yield1.26%N/A

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 yield2.77%2.93%
Payout ratio71.89%67.59%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNEEXEL
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.

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.