Exelon (EXC) vs Xcel Energy (XEL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Exelon (EXC) has outperformed Xcel Energy (XEL) over the past year, losing 10.9% versus a loss of 11.0%. Over five years, EXC leads with a +17.3% price change compared with +10.5% for XEL. Xcel Energy is the larger company by market cap ($45.24 billion vs $42.75 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Exelon trades at a lower forward P/E (13.7x vs 16.0x for Xcel Energy). Exelon offers the higher dividend yield (3.95% vs 3.21%). Xcel Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.8% versus 11.4%.
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 | EXC | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $41.49 | $72.42 |
| Market cap | $42.75B | $45.24B |
| 1-day change | -0.46% | -0.43% |
| YTD return | -4.37% | -1.39% |
| 1-year return | -10.91% | -11.02% |
| 5-year return | +17.33% | +10.47% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 15.25 | 19.84 |
| Forward P/E | 13.66 | 15.96 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.72 | $3.65 |
| Dividend yield | 3.95% | 3.21% |
| Annual dividend | $1.64 | $2.33 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $24.26B | $14.67B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.34% | +9.14% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.77B | $2.02B |
| Operating margin | 21.22% | 17.61% |
| Net margin | 11.41% | 13.76% |
| 52-week high | $50.65 | $84.23 |
| 52-week low | $39.73 | $68.72 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.08% | -14.02% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.97% | +25.12% |
| Average volume | 7.92M | 5.30M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.03B | 624.63M |
| Employees | 20,571 | 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.
Key differences
- Xcel Energy trades at a higher earnings multiple (19.8x vs 15.3x trailing P/E).
About Exelon
EXC stock →Exelon Corporation, a utility services holding company, engages in the energy distribution and transmission businesses in the United States. The company is involved in the purchase and regulated retail sale of electricity and natural gas; transmission and distribution of electricity; and distribution of natural gas to retail customers.
Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Electric · 20,571 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
EXC vs XEL FAQ
Which is bigger, Exelon or Xcel Energy?
Xcel Energy (XEL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $45.24B compared with $42.75B for Exelon (EXC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, EXC or XEL?
EXC returned -10.91% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.02% for XEL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, EXC or XEL?
EXC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.3, 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, Exelon or Xcel Energy?
Exelon has the higher yield at 3.95%, compared with 3.21% for Xcel Energy.
Are Exelon and Xcel Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Utilities - Regulated Electric industry within the Utilities sector.