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.
WEC
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
$105.33UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc.
$75.50UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — WEC vs XEL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yWEC +138.6% (+9.1%/yr)XEL +146.3% (+9.4%/yr)XEL compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | WEC | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.41 | 20.57 |
| Forward P/E | 18.81 | 18.35 |
| P/S ratio | 3.38 | 3.23 |
| P/B ratio | 2.43 | 1.96 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.46 | 13.98 |
Profitability
| Metric | WEC | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 50.55% | 48.84% |
| Operating margin | 24.12% | 20.98% |
| Net margin | 16.69% | 15.28% |
| ROE | 11.97% | 9.28% |
| ROIC | 4.49% | 3.74% |
Dividends
| Metric | WEC | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.53% | 3.05% |
| Payout ratio | 72.67% | 63.35% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | WEC | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
WEC Energy P/E ratioXcel Energy P/E ratioWEC Energy dividend yieldXcel Energy dividend yieldWEC Energy ROEXcel Energy ROEWEC Energy operating marginXcel Energy operating marginWEC Energy revenue growthXcel Energy revenue growthWEC Energy free cash flowXcel Energy free cash flow
WEC 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 September 10, 2026.