MGE Energy (MGEE) vs TransAlta (TAC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
TransAlta (TAC) has outperformed MGE Energy (MGEE) over the past year, losing 14.1% versus a loss of 15.9%. Over five years, TAC leads with a +14.5% price change compared with -6.5% for MGEE. TransAlta is the larger company by market cap ($4.07 billion vs $2.66 billion), about 1.5 times the size.
On valuation, MGE Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (16.8x vs 31.0x for TransAlta). MGE Energy offers the higher dividend yield (2.70% vs 2.06%).
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 | MGEE | TAC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $70.39 | $12.88 |
| Market cap | $2.66B | $4.07B |
| 1-day change | -0.28% | -1.83% |
| YTD return | -10.24% | +1.90% |
| 1-year return | -15.87% | -14.13% |
| 5-year return | -6.53% | +14.49% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.34 | — |
| Forward P/E | 16.78 | 31.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.06 | $-0.21 |
| Dividend yield | 2.70% | 2.06% |
| Annual dividend | $1.90 | $0.265 |
| 52-week high | $87.94 | $17.88 |
| 52-week low | $68.01 | $11.38 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.96% | -27.96% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +9.11% | +0.78% |
| Average volume | 180.84K | 1.75M |
| Shares outstanding | 37.75M | 316.30M |
| Employees | 726 | 1,350 |
| Sector | Energy | Utilities |
| Industry | Electric Utilities: Central | Electric Utilities: Central |
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
- The two companies sit in different sectors: MGE Energy in Energy and TransAlta in Utilities.
About MGE Energy
MGEE stock →MGE Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. It operates through Regulated Electric Utility Operations; Regulated Gas Utility Operations; Nonregulated Energy Operations; Transmission Investments; and All Other segments.
Energy · Electric Utilities: Central · 726 employees
About TransAlta
TAC stock →TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 1,350 employees
MGEE vs TAC FAQ
Which is bigger, MGE Energy or TransAlta?
TransAlta (TAC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.07B compared with $2.66B for MGE Energy (MGEE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MGEE or TAC?
TAC returned -14.13% over the past 12 months, compared with -15.87% for MGEE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGE Energy or TransAlta?
MGE Energy has the higher yield at 2.70%, compared with 2.06% for TransAlta.
Are MGE Energy and TransAlta in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Energy sector.