Financial Performance - Xcel Energy reported 2024 GAAP earnings of $1.94 billion, or $3.44 per share, compared to $1.77 billion, or $3.21 per share in 2023, representing a 13.0% increase in earnings per share[2][6]. - Ongoing earnings for 2024 were $1.97 billion, or $3.50 per share, up from $1.85 billion, or $3.35 per share in 2023, reflecting a 4.5% increase in ongoing earnings per share[2][6]. - For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, Xcel Energy reported GAAP net income of $1,936 million, an increase from $1,771 million in 2023[90]. - Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $1,936 million, compared to $1,771 million in 2023, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.3%[97]. - The ongoing diluted EPS for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $3.50, up from $3.35 in 2023, indicating a growth of 4.5%[97]. Revenue and Expenses - Total operating revenues for 2024 were $13.441 billion, a decrease from $14.206 billion in 2023, reflecting a 5.4% decline[11]. - Operating income for 2024 was $2.386 billion, down from $2.481 billion in 2023, representing a 3.8% decrease[11]. - Xcel Energy's total operating expenses for 2024 were $11.055 billion, down from $11.725 billion in 2023, indicating a 5.7% reduction[11]. - Electric operating revenues for 2024 were $11.147 billion, compared to $11.446 billion in 2023, a decline of 2.6%[11]. - Natural gas operating revenues decreased to $2.230 billion in 2024 from $2.645 billion in 2023, a drop of 15.7%[11]. Future Guidance - Xcel Energy reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance of $3.75 to $3.85 per share, indicating a projected growth of 8.9% to 11.9% compared to 2024 ongoing earnings[6]. - Xcel Energy aims for long-term annual EPS growth of 6% to 8% based on a mid-point of $3.55 per share for 2024[95]. - Weather-normalized retail electric sales are expected to increase approximately 3% in 2025, while natural gas sales are projected to rise by about 1%[94]. - Capital rider revenue is projected to increase by $260 million to $270 million in 2025[94]. - O&M expenses are expected to rise by approximately 3% in 2025[94]. Capital Expenditures and Investments - Total base capital expenditures forecast for 2025 through 2029 is $45 billion, with significant investments in electric distribution and renewables[40]. - Xcel Energy plans to fund capital expenditures of $45 billion from 2025 to 2029, with $25.32 billion expected from cash operations and $15.18 billion from new debt[43]. - In 2024, Xcel Energy issued approximately $1.1 billion of equity through its at-the-market program and entered into forward sale agreements for up to 21.1 million shares, expecting cash proceeds of about $1.36 billion[43]. - Xcel Energy's total capital expenditure plan for 2025-2028 is projected at $538 million, with $521 million allocated for capital projects[69]. Rate Increases and Regulatory Matters - NSP-Minnesota filed for a $491 million (13.2%) electric rate increase over two years, based on a return on equity (ROE) of 10.3% and a rate base of $13.2 billion in 2025[45]. - NSP-Minnesota also requested a $45 million (19.3%) electric rate increase in North Dakota, based on a 2025 forecast test year and a rate base of approximately $817 million[46]. - A natural gas rate increase of approximately $59 million (9.6%) was requested by NSP-Minnesota in Minnesota, based on a ROE of 10.2% and a rate base of approximately $1.27 billion[47]. - PSCo filed a request for a $171 million (9.5%) increase in retail natural gas rates, based on a 10.25% ROE and a $4.2 billion year-end rate base[54]. Operational Challenges and Weather Impact - The estimated impact of weather on total EPS was a decrease of $0.036 for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to 2023[26]. - Total retail electric sales growth for Xcel Energy was 3.4% for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to 2023[26]. - Natural gas revenues were affected by a 1.7% decrease in residential use per customer and a 1.4% decrease in C&I use per customer[27]. - Electric fuel and purchased power expenses decreased by $490 million in 2024, primarily due to lower commodity prices and timing of fuel recovery mechanisms[30]. - Natural gas sold and transported expenses decreased by $505 million in 2024, attributed to lower commodity prices and volumes[31]. Debt and Financing - Xcel Energy's total debt increased to $29.1 billion in 2024, maintaining a 60% debt to total capitalization ratio[37]. - The company expects to fund additional capital investments with approximately 40% equity and 60% debt, with potential incremental expenditures exceeding $10 billion pending approval[41]. Miscellaneous - The company recorded workforce reduction expenses of $72 million in Q4 2023 due to a voluntary retirement program and involuntary severance[93]. - The effective income tax rate for 2024 was significantly impacted by new nuclear PTCs, resulting in benefits of 103.9% for the quarter[36]. - Other income rose by $121 million for the year, primarily from interest earned on cash balances and gains on debt repurchases[34]. - Depreciation and amortization increased by $296 million for the year, mainly due to system expansion[33].

Analysts on Wall Street project that Xcel Energy (XEL) will announce quarterly earnings of $0.87 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 4.8% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $3.72 billion, increasing 8% from the same quarter last year.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during this timeframe.Before a company announces its ...

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Energy (XEL) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on February 6, with a prior negative earnings surprise of 3.1% in the last quarter [1][2]. Group 1: Factors Impacting Earnings - The quarterly earnings for Xcel Energy are likely to benefit from increased demand from data centers, the adoption of electric vehicles, and customer additions in both electric and natural gas sectors, alongside economic growth in its service region [3]. - A new natural gas rate effective in November 2024 in Colorado is also expected to positively impact earnings [3]. - Efficient operations management has allowed the company to maintain natural gas and electric rates lower than the national average, attracting more customers and creating additional demand [4]. - However, anticipated increases in operation and maintenance expenses may offset some of the positive impacts in the upcoming quarter [4]. Group 2: Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is set at 87 cents per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.8% [5]. - The revenue estimate stands at $3.72 billion, indicating an 8% year-over-year improvement [5]. Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - The earnings prediction model suggests a potential earnings beat for Xcel Energy, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.58% [6]. - Currently, Xcel Energy holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a hold position [7].

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 ...

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 ...