Xcel Energy is a diversified utility with strong AI data center growth prospects, but recent wildfire litigation clouds near-term outlook. Despite a solid long-term track record, XEL has underperformed utilities sector peers over the last five years and posted a rather lackluster Q1 earnings report in April. I rate XEL a HOLD due to ongoing legal risks and limited upside, but see it as a watch-list candidate for opportunistic entry on pullbacks.
Xcel Energy Inc. is just three years away from becoming a Dividend Aristocrat. Having met or exceeded guidance for 20 consecutive years, I'm confident the utility will deliver on its 6% to 8% annual ongoing diluted EPS growth target. XEL is financially positioned to execute its $45 billion five-year capital spending plan, with investment-grade credit ratings from each of the major rating agencies.
Xcel Energy reaffirms FY2025 EPS guidance of $3.75 to $3.85 despite missing Q1 EPS and revenue expectations due to high wildfire mitigation costs. The company has a $45 billion capital growth plan focused on renewable energy, but faces risks from fluctuating tariffs and regulatory uncertainty. Xcel Energy's stock has increased by 25.43% year to date, making it less attractive compared to peers; a hold rating is recommended.
Xcel Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL ) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call April 24, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Roopesh Aggarwal - VP, IR Bob Frenzel - Chairman, President & CEO Brian Van Abel - EVP & CFO Conference Call Participants Nicholas Campanella - Barclays Julien Dumoulin-Smith - Jefferies Carly Davenport - Goldman Sachs Durgesh Chopra - Evercore ISI Jeremy Tonet - J.P. Morgan David Arcaro - Morgan Stanley Anthony Crowdell - Mizuho Ryan Levine - Citi Travis Miller - Morningstar Operator Hello, and welcome to Xcel Energy First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call.
While the top- and bottom-line numbers for Xcel (XEL) give a sense of how the business performed in the quarter ended March 2025, it could be worth looking at how some of its key metrics compare to Wall Street estimates and year-ago values.
Xcel Energy (XEL) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.84 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.93 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.88 per share a year ago.
XEL's first-quarter earnings are expected to have gained on the back of demand from its expanding customer base. However, an increase in operating expenses might have offset the positives.
Besides Wall Street's top -and-bottom-line estimates for Xcel (XEL), review projections for some of its key metrics to gain a deeper understanding of how the company might have fared during the quarter ended March 2025.
Xcel (XEL) possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.
Xcel Energy is expected to announce its 22nd consecutive annual dividend hike, showcasing its commitment to consistent dividend growth and shareholder value. XEL is positioned for 6%-8% annual EPS growth, supported by robust financials, investment-grade credit ratings, and a $45 billion capital spending plan through 2029. Despite recent revenue and EPS misses, XEL's long-term growth prospects remain strong, driven by significant solar projects and data center load growth.
Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
XEL's fourth-quarter earnings and revenues decrease year over year. Total operating expenses decline during the same period.