SmarterDividends

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 3.30%, NEE has the higher dividend-safety score, and XEL trades at the larger discount to fair value (+21%).

MetricNEEXEL
Forward yield3.13%3.30%
Annual dividend$2.49$2.37
Payout ratio53%64%
Years of growth30 yr22 yr
5-yr dividend growth10.1%5.6%
5-yr total return-6%12%
Dividend safety score90 (A)87 (A)
Fair value estimate$83.06$87.46
Upside to fair value+3%+21%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$165.3B$45.0B
P/E ratio17.919.7

Higher yield

XEL

3.30%

Safer dividend

NEE

Grade A

Faster growth

NEE

10.1%

Better value

XEL

+21% upside

NEE vs XEL — FAQ

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