Duke Energy (Holding) (DUK) vs Xcel Energy (XEL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Duke Energy (Holding) (DUK) has outperformed Xcel Energy (XEL) over the past year, losing 6.7% versus a loss of 10.4%. Over five years, DUK leads with a +15.1% price change compared with +11.3% for XEL. Duke Energy (Holding) is the larger company by market cap ($91.10 billion vs $45.82 billion), about 2.0 times the size, while Xcel Energy is growing revenue faster (+9.1% vs +5.6%).
On valuation, Xcel Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (16.2x vs 16.3x for Duke Energy (Holding)). Duke Energy (Holding) offers the higher dividend yield (3.65% vs 3.17%). Duke Energy (Holding) converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.7% 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 | DUK | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $116.84 | $73.36 |
| Market cap | $91.10B | $45.82B |
| 1-day change | +1.16% | +1.30% |
| YTD return | -0.32% | -0.68% |
| 1-year return | -6.70% | -10.37% |
| 5-year return | +15.10% | +11.27% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.60 | 20.10 |
| Forward P/E | 16.29 | 16.17 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.64 | $3.65 |
| Dividend yield | 3.65% | 3.17% |
| Annual dividend | $4.26 | $2.33 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $31.74B | $14.67B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.63% | +9.14% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.97B | $2.02B |
| Operating margin | 27.18% | 17.61% |
| Net margin | 15.65% | 13.76% |
| 52-week high | $134.49 | $84.23 |
| 52-week low | $112.40 | $68.72 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.12% | -12.91% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.49% | +23.51% |
| Average volume | 4.11M | 5.34M |
| Shares outstanding | 779.70M | 624.63M |
| Employees | 26,441 | 11,534 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Utilities - Regulated Electric | Utilities - Regulated Electric |
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.
About Duke Energy (Holding)
DUK stock →Duke Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I); and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I).
Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 26,441 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 · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 11,534 employees
DUK vs XEL FAQ
Which is bigger, Duke Energy (Holding) or Xcel Energy?
Duke Energy (Holding) (DUK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $91.10B compared with $45.82B for Xcel Energy (XEL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, DUK or XEL?
DUK returned -6.70% over the past 12 months, compared with -10.37% for XEL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, DUK or XEL?
DUK has the lower trailing P/E at 17.6, versus 20.1 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, Duke Energy (Holding) or Xcel Energy?
Duke Energy (Holding) has the higher yield at 3.65%, compared with 3.17% for Xcel Energy.
Are Duke Energy (Holding) and Xcel Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Utilities - Regulated Electric industry within the Utilities sector.