Xcel Energy Inc.'s Stock Analysis

Xcel Energy Settles $640 Million Marshall Fire Litigation Claims

Xcel Energy, through its subsidiary Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), has reached settlement agreements in principle to resolve litigation related to the Marshall Fire that occurred in December 2021. The settlements will cover claims from subrogation insurers, public entity plaintiffs, and individual plaintiffs, with PSCo expected to pay approximately $640 million. Of this amount, around $350 million will be covered by existing insurance, while PSCo anticipates recognizing a charge of approximately $290 million to its earnings for the third quarter of 2025.

Despite the settlements, Xcel Energy maintains that its equipment did not cause the fire and does not admit any fault. The company reaffirms its ongoing earnings per share guidance for 2025, projecting between $3.75 and $3.85. Additionally, Xcel Energy has committed to enhancing wildfire risk mitigation and grid resilience, particularly in Boulder County, as part of its broader strategy to support the communities it serves.

Sep 24, 2025 14:10:28

Xcel Energy Seeks $491 Million Rate Increase in Minnesota

Xcel Energy's subsidiary, Northern States Power Company-Minnesota, has filed for a rate increase of $491 million, representing a 13.2% revenue boost over two years. The request is based on a return on equity of 10.3%, with a rate base of $13.2 billion in 2025 and $14 billion in 2026. An interim rate of $224 million was initially requested but later adjusted to $192 million by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, effective January 1, 2025. The company updated its revenue request to $473 million in March 2025.

Various stakeholders, including the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Walmart, have proposed adjustments to the rate request, citing concerns over the return on equity and operational costs. The procedural timeline includes rebuttal testimony due by October 10, 2025, with a decision from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission expected in the third quarter of 2026. The filing also highlights operational risks and uncertainties that could affect future financial performance.

Aug 25, 2025 14:36:36

Xcel Energy Subsidiary Requests Significant Rate Increases for 2026-2027

Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, has filed a request with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for a multi-year increase in electric and natural gas rates. The proposal includes a total electric revenue increase of $151 million over 2026 and 2027, with specific increases of $94 million (11.8%) in 2026 and $57 million (7.1%) in 2027. For natural gas, the request totals $24 million, comprising $20 million (12.7%) in 2026 and $4 million (1.5%) in 2027. The requests are based on projected rate bases of $2.9 billion for electric and $0.3 billion for natural gas in 2026, and $3.2 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively, in 2027.

The Public Service Commission staff has recommended a higher electric base rate increase of $115 million (14.4%) and a natural gas increase of $21 million (12.3%) over the same period, based on a lower return on equity of 9.7%. Key components of the staff's recommendation include adjustments for pending capital investments associated with two transmission projects. A decision from the PSCW is expected in late fourth quarter 2025, with procedural milestones including rebuttal testimony by August 28, 2025, and a hearing on September 16, 2025.

Aug 11, 2025 13:49:23

Xcel Energy Announces $4 Billion Equity Distribution Agreement

Xcel Energy has entered into an equity distribution agreement with multiple financial institutions, allowing the company to offer and sell shares of its common stock valued up to $4 billion. This agreement includes provisions for sales agents to act on behalf of Xcel Energy, as well as forward sale agreements that enable the company to sell shares through forward transactions. The shares will be sold at market prices or negotiated prices, with commissions not exceeding 1% of the sales price per share.

The equity distribution agreement allows Xcel Energy to conduct transactions through various methods, including at-the-market offerings on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The company will receive net proceeds from these sales after deducting commissions and associated costs. All shares offered will be registered under a previously filed registration statement with the SEC, and a prospectus supplement has been filed to facilitate the share offering.

Aug 01, 2025 19:23:41

Xcel Energy Reports Q2 2025 Earnings and Financial Performance

Xcel Energy reported second quarter 2025 earnings of $444 million, or $0.75 per share, compared to $302 million, or $0.54 per share in the same period of 2024. The increase in earnings per share was primarily due to the recovery of infrastructure investments, despite higher operational and interest expenses. Year-to-date ongoing earnings per share also rose to $1.59 from $1.42 in 2024. The company reaffirmed its ongoing earnings per share guidance for 2025 to be between $3.75 and $3.85.

The company is actively investing in new generation capacity to meet rising electric demand and enhance system resilience, particularly in Texas and New Mexico where it proposed nearly 5,200 MW of new generation. Xcel Energy's capital structure remains strong, with committed credit facilities available to support liquidity needs. The company also reported an increase in operational expenses and interest charges, largely linked to higher debt levels and costs associated with infrastructure investments.

Jul 30, 2025 17:45:22

Xcel Energy Appoints Ryan Long as Chief Legal Officer

Xcel Energy has appointed Ryan Long as the executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, effective immediately. Long, who previously served as president of Xcel Energy's operations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, will now oversee the company's legal, compliance, and federal affairs teams. He has a background in law and leadership, having held various positions within the company since joining as a principal attorney in 2015.

In addition to his new role, Long will continue to manage the Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota operations while the company searches for a new president for that division. His prior experience includes serving as interim general counsel and working with major law firms in Minneapolis and New York City. This leadership change may have implications for Xcel Energy's strategic direction and operational management.

Jun 16, 2025 16:59:17

XCEL Energy Secures $2 Billion Credit Facility Agreement

XCEL Energy Inc. has entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, securing a revolving credit facility worth $2 billion. This agreement includes provisions for a $100 million sub-facility for Letters of Credit and a $75 million sub-facility for Swingline Loans, aimed at providing flexible funding options for the company.

The agreement involves several major financial institutions, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. serving as the Administrative Agent. The new terms will replace the Original Credit Agreement, allowing XCEL Energy to access the extended credit under specified conditions. This credit facility may influence the company’s financial stability and operational capacity moving forward.

May 07, 2025 16:15:45

Xcel Energy Reports First Quarter Earnings Decline in 2025

Xcel Energy Inc. reported first quarter 2025 GAAP earnings of $483 million, or $0.84 per share, a decrease from $488 million, or $0.88 per share in the same period of 2024. The decline in earnings per share is attributed to higher operating and maintenance expenses, increased depreciation, and interest charges, although these were partially offset by greater recovery of infrastructure investments. The company reaffirmed its ongoing earnings per share guidance for 2025, which remains between $3.75 and $3.85.

The report highlighted that Xcel Energy is advancing its mission to enhance energy efficiency for customers through investments in new generation and system resilience. In February, Minnesota regulators approved a resource plan that includes the addition of nearly 5,000 megawatts of new renewable energy sources by 2030. Despite the earnings decline, the company noted ongoing efforts to mitigate wildfire risks and maintain operational safety through strategic investments and regulatory support.

Apr 23, 2025 17:35:54

Xcel Energy Announces Executive Changes Amid COO Retirement

Xcel Energy Inc. has announced the retirement of Timothy O’Connor, the chief operations officer, effective this summer after nearly 20 years with the company. In line with succession planning, Scott Sharp will become the executive vice president and chief generation officer, while Michael Lamb will take on the role of executive vice president and chief delivery officer, effective May 1. Both new appointees will join the Executive Committee and report to the CEO, Bob Frenzel, who expressed appreciation for O’Connor's long service and leadership experience in nuclear operations.

Scott Sharp and Michael Lamb bring a combined 65 years of service at Xcel Energy, with both having held various leadership positions within the company. Their extensive experience is expected to support ongoing operational excellence and safety improvements. O’Connor will transition to an advisory role until August, as the company prepares for this leadership change. The press release highlights Xcel Energy's commitment to leadership development and operational readiness for future changes.

Mar 03, 2025 16:31:51

Xcel Energy Reports $3.44 EPS for 2024 Year-End

Xcel Energy Inc. reported a GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $3.44 for 2024, an increase from $3.21 in 2023. The ongoing EPS also rose to $3.50 from $3.35, attributed to improved recovery of infrastructure investments. The company highlighted its commitment to enhancing electrical systems and infrastructure, which supports its long-term growth strategy. Additionally, Xcel Energy reaffirmed its EPS guidance for 2025 between $3.75 and $3.85 per share, marking the 20th consecutive year it has met its earnings guidance.

On the negative side, Xcel Energy faced challenges including higher depreciation, interest charges, and operating and maintenance expenses, which partially offset the gains from infrastructure investments. The company also experienced fluctuations in electric and natural gas revenues, influenced by changing fuel costs. Despite these challenges, Xcel Energy's management noted its focus on building a resilient energy grid to meet growing customer demand and adapt to extreme weather conditions.

Feb 05, 2025 17:53:35