NEE vs XEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. XEL offers the higher yield at 3.28%, NEE has the higher dividend-safety score, and XEL trades at the larger discount to fair value (+21%).
| Metric | NEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.10% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $2.49 | $2.37 |
| Payout ratio | 53% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 30 yr | 22 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.1% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -6% | 12% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $83.06 | $87.46 |
| Upside to fair value | +3% | +21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $167.8B | $45.2B |
| P/E ratio | 18.1 | 19.8 |
Higher yield
XEL
3.28%
Safer dividend
NEE
Grade A
Faster growth
NEE
10.1%
Better value
XEL
+21% upside
NEE vs XEL — FAQ
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