Core Viewpoint - Xcel Energy has received a renewal of its operating license for the Monticello Nuclear Generating plant, allowing it to operate for an additional 20 years, which supports the company's clean energy vision and transition to 100% carbon-free electricity [1][3]. Company Developments - The Monticello plant powers over 500,000 households annually, serving as a crucial source of clean and reliable electricity, and is Xcel Energy's only carbon-free energy source available continuously [2]. - The renewal process involved extensive inspections and reviews by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards [4]. - Xcel Energy plans to seek state regulatory approval to align with the 20-year extension of its federal operating license, having already secured approval to extend operations through 2040 [5]. Emission Reduction Initiatives - Xcel Energy is focusing on transitioning to clean energy, with plans to close coal plants by 2028 and 2030, and has initiated a request for proposals for 1.2 gigawatts of wind development to replace retiring coal capacity [6]. - The Upper Midwest Resource Plan includes 3.6 gigawatts of new wind and solar resources, 600 megawatts of battery storage, and over 2.2 gigawatts of dispatchable resources by 2030, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 80% to 88% [7]. - The conversion of the Pawnee coal plant to natural gas and the early retirement of the Comanche 3 coal unit by 2030 will mark the end of coal operations in Colorado, supporting the net-zero emission target for 2050 [8]. Industry Trends - The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that renewable energy sources will account for 23% and 25% of U.S. electricity generation in 2024 and 2025, respectively, with various utilities, including Xcel Energy, taking steps to lower emissions [9]. - Other companies in the industry, such as Dominion Energy and Duke Energy, are also pursuing aggressive emission reduction targets and clean energy initiatives [10][12]. Stock Performance - Xcel Energy's stock has increased by 26.8% over the past six months, significantly outperforming the industry average growth of 5.6% [14].

Industry Overview - The ranching industry is facing significant challenges due to wildfires and the policies of large energy utilities [1][4][6] - Conservative organizations like the Center to Protect Ranchers and Competitive Markets Action are advocating for transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector [2][8] - The Organization for Competitive Markets focuses on promoting fair and competitive markets in agriculture [3][7] Company Analysis - Xcel Energy, a Fortune 500 utility company, is under scrutiny for its ESG policies and wildfire resiliency efforts [4][9] - Xcel triggered the Marshall fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, and is responsible for the Smokehouse Creek Wildfire Complex, the largest in Texas history [4][6] - Ranchers and farmers affected by the wildfires have not been compensated for their losses, leading to financial distress and bankruptcy [5][6][10] Impact and Advocacy - The coalition of conservative agriculture organizations is calling for an investigation into Xcel Energy's actions and policies [9] - The coalition emphasizes the need for justice, transparency, and meaningful reforms in the utility and agricultural sectors [11] - The resilience of ranchers and farmers highlights the urgent need for accountability and support to safeguard food security [10][11]

Those who have followed my work over the years know that I have come to appreciate buying regulated utilities at discounted valuations. This is because, although it's not perfect, the regulated utility businessHi, my name is Kody. Aside from my articles here on Seeking Alpha, I am also a regular contributor to TipRanks, Sure Dividend, and The Dividend Kings and iREIT+Hoya Capital. I have been investing since September 2017 and interested in dividend investing since about 2009.Since July 2018, I have ran Kod ...

Xcel Energy (XEL) has partnered with Pano AI to install more than 50 camera stations in nearly a dozen counties for early detection and mitigation of wildfire. First responders and firefighters will have real-time access to this data, shortening the response time.Texas Panhandle region is known for wildfires, which cause extensive damage to structures and agricultural products. Early detection and a quick response reduce the impact and damage caused by wildfires.Xcel Energy is currently identifying strategi ...

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: XEL) (Xcel Energy) announced today the commencement of offers to purchase for cash (the Tender Offers) up to $110,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the Aggregate Tender Cap) of the outstanding first mortgage bonds issued by Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (NSPM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy, listed in the table below (the Bonds).The table below summarizes certain information regarding the Bonds and the ...

Xcel Energy Inc.’s (XEL) strategic investments in infrastructure projects and focus on clean power generation should further boost its performance. The company’s consistent customer base growth acts as a tailwind.However, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company faces risks related to the failure of transmission and distribution lines.Factors That Act as Tailwinds for XELXcel Energy continues to invest substantially in its utility assets to provide reliable services and effectively meet the rising electricity dema ...

Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) reported third-quarter 2024 operating earnings of $1.25 per share, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29 by 3.1%. However, the bottom line increased 1.6% from the year-ago quarter’s $1.23.It reported GAAP earnings of $1.21 per share in the third quarter compared with $1.19 in the year-ago quarter.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.Total Revenues of XELThe company’s revenues of $3.65 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.96 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xcel Energy reported ongoing earnings of $1.25 per share for Q3 2024, an increase from $1.23 per share in Q3 2023, driven by outcomes from rate cases and nonfuel riders, which increased earnings by $0.25 per share [19] - GAAP earnings for Q3 2024 were $1.21 per share, with a charge of $35 million related to disallowed replacement power costs [5][19] - Year-to-date O&M expenses increased by $58 million, primarily due to increased generation maintenance and wildfire mitigation efforts [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $2 billion in resilient and reliable energy infrastructure during the quarter [8] - Weather-adjusted electric sales increased by 1.3% in Q3 2024, with a year-to-date increase of 0.2% [20] - The new five-year plan anticipates 5% annual electric sales growth, with approximately 50% of this growth coming from data centers [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xcel Energy has nearly 9,000 megawatts of opportunities in its customer pipeline before 2030, indicating strong demand from data centers [11] - The company expects to secure contracts with about 25% of this pipeline within the five-year forecast period [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xcel Energy is focused on clean energy investments, customer electrification, new load growth, and safety and reliability improvements [10] - The company has introduced a $45 billion capital investment plan aimed at supporting clean energy generation and enhancing energy infrastructure [10][26] - The company is committed to maintaining low customer bills, with residential electric and natural gas bills 28% and 14% below the industry average, respectively [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed the 2024 ongoing earnings guidance range of $3.50 to $3.60 per share and initiated 2025 guidance of $3.75 to $3.85 per share [29] - The company updated its long-term EPS growth objective to 6% to 8%, reflecting confidence in its significant investment pipeline [30] - Management expressed optimism about the ongoing clean energy transition and the ability to meet future demand while maintaining affordability [72] Other Important Information - The company is actively working on wildfire risk reduction measures and has made significant progress in its wildfire mitigation efforts [17] - Xcel Energy has settled 86 of the 179 claims related to the Smokehouse Creek wildfire, with no change to its estimated accrued liability of $215 million [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the large land acquisition by a customer - The land acquisition was in Minnesota and is included in the forecast for high-probability loads, contributing to the 9,000 megawatts pipeline [35][39] Question: Financing and equity needs for the year - The company has fulfilled its equity needs for the year with a $1.1 billion issuance and may consider opportunistic actions if favorable [41][42] Question: CapEx increase reconciliation with equity - The CapEx increase is due to cash flow improvements and a lower dividend growth rate, allowing for flexibility in equity needs [43][44] Question: Wildfire mitigation actions and insurance - The company has implemented enhanced safety measures and is working on regulatory approvals for its wildfire mitigation plans [46][54] Question: New capital plan and load growth forecast - The $6 billion capital increase is a function of rolling forward the plan, with significant load growth expected from data centers and other sectors [57][58] Question: Confidence in wildfire outcomes and litigation - Management expressed confidence in their wildfire protection measures and ongoing litigation, emphasizing proactive actions taken [78] Question: Timing of capital expenditures - The timing of the $4.5 billion equity plan is expected to follow the shape of annual CapEx, which is larger in the initial years [83]

Xcel Energy (XEL) reported $3.64 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2024, representing a year-over-year decline of 0.5%. EPS of $1.25 for the same period compares to $1.23 a year ago.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.97 billion, representing a surprise of -8.12%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of -3.10%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.29.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and h ...

Xcel Energy (XEL) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.25 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.23 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -3.10%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this utility would post earnings of $0.55 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.54, delivering a surprise of -1.82%.Over the last four quarters, the company has s ...