WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC) vs Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

A side-by-side comparison of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and Xcel Energy Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnWEC vs XEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
WEC +2340.0%XEL +1173.0%WEC compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,440$1,273
WEC XEL

WEC vs XEL: by the numbers

  • XEL is the larger company ($49.16B vs $36.25B market cap).
  • WEC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.68 vs 22.95 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • WEC converts more revenue to profit (16.72% vs 14.14% net margin).
  • WEC grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.98% vs 3.82% CAGR).
  • WEC pays the higher dividend yield (3.25% vs 2.89%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricWECXEL
P/E ratio22.6822.95
Forward P/E20.3019.53
P/S ratio3.703.40
P/B ratio2.632.11
PEG ratio20.885.46
EV / EBITDA15.2114.89

Profitability

MetricWECXEL
Gross margin49.91%18.91%
Operating margin24.12%19.85%
Net margin16.72%14.14%
ROE4.09%8.78%
ROIC5.25%3.77%

Dividends

MetricWECXEL
Dividend yield3.25%2.89%
Payout ratio75.93%67.59%

Growth (annualized)

MetricWECXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.98%3.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.04%4.20%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.32%6.51%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, WEC or XEL?
WEC has the lower trailing P/E: WEC trades at 22.68 and XEL at 22.95. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, WEC or XEL?
Over the past five years, WEC grew revenue faster — WEC at a 4.98% CAGR versus XEL at 3.82%.
Does WEC or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
WEC yields 3.25% and XEL yields 2.89% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is WEC or XEL more profitable?
WEC runs the higher net margin — WEC at 16.72% versus XEL at 14.14%.
How have WEC and XEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, WEC delivered 9.35% and XEL delivered 9.57% 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 July 29, 2026.