NEE vs XEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. XEL offers the higher yield at 2.94%, NEE has the higher dividend-safety score, and NEE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price).
Key facts: NEE vs XEL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.94%, versus 2.82% for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NEE's dividend safety A (90/100) and XEL's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, NEE has raised its dividend for 30 consecutive years and XEL for 22.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, NEE pays out 44% of its earnings as dividends and XEL pays out 55%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, NEE's fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price and XEL's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so NEE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NEE vs XEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nee-vs-xel
| Metric | NEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.82% | 2.94% |
| Annual dividend | $2.49 | $2.37 |
| Payout ratio | 44% | 55% |
| Years of growth | 30 yr | 22 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.1% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -4% | 25% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $94.96 | $80.44 |
| Upside to fair value | +8% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $184.7B | $51.3B |
| P/E ratio | 15.9 | 18.6 |
Higher yield
XEL
2.94%
Safer dividend
NEE
Grade A
Faster growth
NEE
10.1%
Better value
NEE
+8% upside
NEE vs XEL — FAQ
Is NEE or XEL a better dividend stock?
On the data, NEE wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). XEL offers the higher yield (2.94%), while NEE has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, NEE or XEL?
XEL has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.94%, versus 2.82% for NEE.
Is NEE or XEL safer?
NEE has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NEE or XEL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NEE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price (fairly valued). For XEL, its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.