Investors interested in stocks from the Utility - Electric Power sector have probably already heard of Xcel Energy (XEL) and CenterPoint Energy (CNP) . But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, while our ...

Xcel Energy (XEL) announced that it has received a renewal of its carbon-free Monticello Nuclear Generating plant’s operating license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”). This should help the company support its clean energy vision.More than 500,000 households in the Upper Midwest are powered by the Monticello plant each year, making it a vital source of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Nuclear energy is XEL’s sole carbon-free energy source that is available around the clock. Hence, it’ ...

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 ...

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, $2.50 par value XEL Nasdaq Stock Market LLC UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended Sept. 30, 2024 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File N ...

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]