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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnWEC vs XEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
WEC +138.6% (+9.1%/yr)XEL +146.3% (+9.4%/yr)XEL compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$239$246
WEC XEL

WEC vs XEL: by the numbers

  • XEL is the larger company ($47.16B vs $34.31B market cap).
  • WEC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.41 vs 20.57 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • WEC converts more revenue to profit (16.69% vs 15.28% net margin).
  • WEC grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.98% vs 2.79% CAGR).
  • WEC pays the higher dividend yield (3.53% vs 3.05%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricWECXEL
P/E ratio20.4120.57
Forward P/E18.8118.35
P/S ratio3.383.23
P/B ratio2.431.96
EV / EBITDA14.4613.98

Profitability

MetricWECXEL
Gross margin50.55%48.84%
Operating margin24.12%20.98%
Net margin16.69%15.28%
ROE11.97%9.28%
ROIC4.49%3.74%

Dividends

MetricWECXEL
Dividend yield3.53%3.05%
Payout ratio72.67%63.35%

Growth (annualized)

MetricWECXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.98%2.79%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.04%4.20%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-15.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.56%5.22%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, WEC or XEL?
WEC has the lower trailing P/E: WEC trades at 20.41 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, WEC or XEL?
Over the past five years, WEC grew revenue faster — WEC at a 4.98% CAGR versus XEL at 2.79%.
Does WEC or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
WEC yields 3.53% and XEL yields 3.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is WEC or XEL more profitable?
WEC runs the higher net margin — WEC at 16.69% versus XEL at 15.28%.
How have WEC and XEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, WEC delivered 9.52% 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.