Xcel Energy Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Xcel Energy announced that Ben Fowke will retire as CEO on Aug. 18, 2021, but will stay on as executive chairman of the Board. Bob Frenzel, who has been with the company since 2016 and currently serves as president and COO, has been appointed as the new CEO and president. Frenzel is recognized for his operational and financial expertise and is tasked with continuing the company's strategic priorities and stakeholder engagement.

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) will hold its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually on May 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. CT. Shareholders recorded by March 22, 2021, can attend online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/XEL2021 and vote via www.proxyvote.com. Technical support will be available for access issues. For those without internet, a toll-free number will allow participation in the proceedings. Further details can be found in Xcel Energy's 2021 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.

Xcel Energy reported a robust performance for Q1 2021, achieving GAAP earnings of $362 million or $0.67 per share, up from $295 million or $0.56 per share in Q1 2020. This growth was primarily driven by increased electric and natural gas margins, despite higher depreciation and interest expenses. The company reaffirmed its annual earnings guidance and marked a significant milestone with a 51% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005. Their proposed Colorado Clean Energy Plan aims to enhance renewable energy by 5,000 megawatts and targets an 85% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

OPAL Fuels and NextEra Energy Marketing have announced plans to construct Minnesota's first landfill renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility. This facility will replace an existing power generation site at the Pine Bend Landfill and is projected to produce over 6 million gas gallon equivalents of RNG annually. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions significantly, equivalent to taking 435,000 cars off the road each year. Construction will create about 50-60 jobs, with completion expected in Q1 2022.

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) will hold a conference call on April 29, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss its first quarter 2021 financial results. Earnings will be released before the market opens. Participants are encouraged to dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time using ID 7731118. The call will be available for live broadcast and archived on Xcel Energy's website. A replay will be accessible from 12:00 p.m. on April 29 until 12:00 p.m. on May 2, 2021.

Xcel Energy – Colorado has unveiled its Clean Energy Plan, targeting an 85% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, surpassing state requirements. The initiative aims to double renewable energy and battery storage, ensuring that 80% of electricity comes from renewable sources while maintaining affordability. Key elements include adding 5,500 MW of renewable generation, reducing coal operations, and enhancing grid reliability. The plan anticipates minimal impact on customer bills, with increases aligning with inflation. Xcel will present this plan to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission next month.

Xcel Energy has achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, marking the second consecutive year of major progress. In 2020, the company reduced carbon emissions by approximately six million tons, a 12% decline from 2019, equivalent to removing nearly 1.2 million cars from the road. Since 2005, Xcel has cut emissions by 51%, outpacing the electric power sector's overall reduction. The growth in wind energy capacity, with over 2,200 megawatts added in 2020, plays a crucial role in these reductions while providing $430 million in fuel savings for customers.

Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: XEL) announced a quarterly dividend increase from 43 cents to 45.75 cents per share, marking a 6.4% hike and a projected annual rate of $1.83 per share. This dividend will be payable on April 20, 2021, to shareholders of record by March 15, 2021. The increase aligns with Xcel's goal of a 5-7% annual dividend growth, reflecting the company's confidence in its long-term business strategy and commitment to delivering strong returns to shareholders.