Ameren (AEE) vs Xcel Energy (XEL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Ameren (AEE) has outperformed Xcel Energy (XEL) over the past year, losing 3.1% versus a loss of 11.5%. Over five years, AEE leads with a +21.8% price change compared with +9.8% for XEL. Xcel Energy is the larger company by market cap ($45.24 billion vs $28.05 billion), about 1.6 times the size, while Ameren is growing revenue faster (+15.4% vs +9.1%).
On valuation, Xcel Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (16.0x vs 17.5x for Ameren). Xcel Energy offers the higher dividend yield (3.21% vs 2.88%). Ameren converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.6% versus 13.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AEE | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $101.32 | $72.42 |
| Market cap | $28.05B | $45.24B |
| 1-day change | -0.35% | -0.43% |
| YTD return | +1.46% | -1.95% |
| 1-year return | -3.15% | -11.52% |
| 5-year return | +21.81% | +9.84% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.84 | 19.84 |
| Forward P/E | 17.47 | 15.96 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.68 | $3.65 |
| Dividend yield | 2.88% | 3.21% |
| Annual dividend | $2.92 | $2.33 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.80B | $14.67B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +15.43% | +9.14% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.46B | $2.02B |
| Operating margin | 23.03% | 17.61% |
| Net margin | 16.60% | 13.76% |
| 52-week high | $118.32 | $84.23 |
| 52-week low | $96.57 | $68.72 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.37% | -14.02% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.34% | +25.12% |
| Average volume | 1.66M | 5.31M |
| Shares outstanding | 276.84M | 624.63M |
| Employees | 8,913 | 11,534 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Power Generation | Power Generation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Ameren grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+15.43% vs +9.14%).
About Ameren
AEE stock →Ameren Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission.
Utilities · Power Generation · 8,913 employees
About Xcel Energy
XEL stock →Xcel Energy Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas delivery company in the United States. It operates through Regulated Electric Utility and Regulated Natural Gas Utility segments.
Utilities · Power Generation · 11,534 employees
AEE vs XEL FAQ
Which is bigger, Ameren or Xcel Energy?
Xcel Energy (XEL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $45.24B compared with $28.05B for Ameren (AEE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEE or XEL?
AEE returned -3.15% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.52% for XEL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEE or XEL?
AEE has the lower trailing P/E at 17.8, versus 19.8 for XEL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ameren or Xcel Energy?
Xcel Energy has the higher yield at 3.21%, compared with 2.88% for Ameren.
Are Ameren and Xcel Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.