Sempra (SRE) vs Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

A side-by-side comparison of Sempra and Xcel Energy Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnSRE vs XEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
SRE +126.8% (+8.5%/yr)XEL +144.3% (+9.3%/yr)XEL compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$227$244
SRE XEL

SRE vs XEL: by the numbers

  • SRE is the larger company ($54.48B vs $47.16B market cap).
  • XEL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.57 vs 24.16 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SRE converts more revenue to profit (16.77% vs 15.28% net margin).
  • XEL grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.79% vs 2.45% CAGR).
  • SRE pays the higher dividend yield (3.06% vs 3.05%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricSREXEL
P/E ratio24.1620.57
Forward P/E16.2918.35
P/S ratio4.013.23
P/B ratio1.671.96
EV / EBITDA14.7813.98

Profitability

MetricSREXEL
Gross margin29.15%48.84%
Operating margin26.86%20.98%
Net margin16.77%15.28%
ROE6.97%9.28%
ROIC2.99%3.74%

Dividends

MetricSREXEL
Dividend yield3.06%3.05%
Payout ratio75.51%63.35%

Growth (annualized)

MetricSREXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.45%2.79%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-15.72%4.20%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-15.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.25%5.22%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, SRE or XEL?
XEL has the lower trailing P/E: SRE trades at 24.16 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, SRE or XEL?
Over the past five years, XEL grew revenue faster — SRE at a 2.45% CAGR versus XEL at 2.79%.
Does SRE or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
SRE yields 3.06% and XEL yields 3.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is SRE or XEL more profitable?
SRE runs the higher net margin — SRE at 16.77% versus XEL at 15.28%.
How have SRE and XEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, SRE delivered 8.50% 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 10, 2026.