NEE vs XEL
NextEra Energy, Inc. compared with Xcel Energy Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- XEL yields more today: 3.04% vs 3.04% (forward).
- NEE has grown its payout faster: 10.1%/yr vs 5.4%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- NEE has the longer streak of annual increases: 31 years vs 22.
- Over the last year NEE delivered the higher total return: +12.0% vs -0.3% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | NEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $82.10 | $78.05 |
| TTM yield | 2.97% | 3.01% |
| Forward yield | 3.04% | 3.04% |
| Annual payout per share | $2.492 | $2.372 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Nov 27, 2026 (declared) | Dec 17, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 44% | 64% |
| 1-year payout growth | +9.9% | +4.0% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +10.1% | +5.4% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 31 years | 22 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 91/100 | 96/100 |
| 1-year total return | +12.0% | -0.3% |
| 1-year price return | +8.8% | -3.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 172.2B | 48.8B |
| Years paying | 53.7 | 53.6 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Utilities | Utilities |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| NEE | XEL | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 121.8 | 128.1 |
| Income per year | $304 | $304 |
| Income per month (avg) | $25 | $25 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE Nov 27, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | $0.623 | Declared |
| NEE Feb 25, 2027 | Mar 11, 2027 | $0.623 | Est. |
| NEE May 26, 2027 | Jun 9, 2027 | $0.623 | Est. |
| XEL Dec 17, 2026 | Jan 21, 2027 | $0.593 | Est. |
| XEL Mar 20, 2027 | Apr 24, 2027 | $0.593 | Est. |
| XEL Jun 21, 2027 | Jul 26, 2027 | $0.593 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
NEEXEL
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, NEE or XEL?
XEL currently has the higher trailing yield: NEE yields 2.97% and XEL yields 3.01%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do NEE and XEL pay?
NEE pays every quarter and XEL pays every quarter. NEE's next ex-date is Nov 27, 2026 and XEL's is Dec 17, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, NEE or XEL?
NEE has grown its payout faster: 10.1%/yr vs 5.4%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is NEE or XEL better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. NEE and XEL differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.