NGG vs XEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NGG and XEL are closely matched. NGG offers the higher yield at 3.80%, XEL has the higher dividend-safety score, and NGG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).
Key facts: NGG vs XEL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, National Grid plc (NGG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.80%, versus 2.94% for Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NGG's dividend safety C (51/100) and XEL's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, NGG has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and XEL for 22.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, NGG pays out 72% of its earnings as dividends and XEL pays out 55%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, NGG's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price and XEL's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so NGG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NGG vs XEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ngg-vs-xel
| Metric | NGG | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.80% | 2.94% |
| Annual dividend | $3.24 | $2.37 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 55% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 22 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -0.1% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 27% | 25% |
| Dividend safety score | 51 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $100.21 | $80.44 |
| Upside to fair value | +16% | +1% |
| Frequency | semiannual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $86.9B | $51.3B |
| P/E ratio | 19.7 | 18.6 |
Higher yield
NGG
3.80%
Safer dividend
XEL
Grade A
Faster growth
XEL
5.6%
Better value
NGG
+16% upside
NGG vs XEL — FAQ
Is NGG or XEL a better dividend stock?
NGG and XEL are closely matched. NGG has the higher yield; XEL scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, NGG or XEL?
NGG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.80%, versus 2.94% for XEL.
Is NGG or XEL safer?
XEL has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 51/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NGG or XEL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NGG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). 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.