Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

Over the past six months, Xcel Energy's stock price increased by 23.48%. The company reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings with an EPS of $0.75, surpassing analysts' estimates, and revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same period last year. Investment analysts raised their target prices for XEL, contributing to a consensus "Buy" rating with an average target price of $86.23. Xcel Energy reached agreements in principle to resolve all litigation related to the 2021 Marshall Fire. Colorado regulators approved initial guidelines for Xcel Energy to expand the state's power grid. Xcel Energy was also noted as a customer of Lumen Technologies' expanded Internet On-Demand service.

Demand for Xcel Energy's products and services exhibits seasonality, driven by weather patterns and customer behavior related to heating and cooling. The company's Time of Use (TOU) rates reflect these seasonal and daily demand fluctuations. On-peak hours are typically extended during the summer months due to increased air conditioning usage, while in colder months, on-peak hours shift to evening hours. Demand for electricity is higher during periods of extreme temperatures.

Xcel Energy Inc. is a U.S. regulated electric utility and natural gas delivery company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, operating in the Utilities sector. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Xcel Energy invests in renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, and uses traditional power generation from natural gas and coal. The company also offers energy efficiency programs, EV infrastructure, smart grid technology, and energy storage solutions.

Xcel Energy serves approximately 3.9 million electricity customers and 2.2 million natural gas customers across parts of eight states in the Western and Midwestern United States, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. The company operates through four main subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.

Xcel Energy's brand reputation has been influenced by its clean energy initiatives and customer-related policies. The company's commitment to 100% clean, carbon-free electricity by 2050 contributes positively to its environmental reputation, although some activists want a faster transition from coal. Proposed changes to rates and billing structures in Colorado have led to public protests and concerns about higher energy bills. The resolution of litigation related to the 2021 Marshall Fire could help mitigate negative sentiment.

Xcel Energy's ownership is predominantly institutional, with institutional investors holding a significant portion of the company's stock, ranging from approximately 57.78% to 90.36%. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. The general public holds between 12.1% and 42.01% of the stock, while insider ownership is relatively low, typically less than 1%.