Yahoo Finance Xcel Energy (XEL) Rides on Investments, Targets Clean Energy
Xcel Energy’s XEL planned investments in enhancing its clean energy generation capability and the ongoing additions to its existing natural gas and electric customers are key catalysts. Also, continuous expenses on infrastructure-related projects will benefit the utility in the future.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 and 2021 earnings is pegged at $2.79 and $2.97 per share each, indicating respective growth of 5.68% and 6.45% from the corresponding year-ago reported figures. Additionally, the company’s long-term (three-five years) earnings growth rate stands at 6.11%.
Tailwinds
Xcel Energy continues to invest in its utility infrastructure like transmission, distribution, electric generation and renewable projects for providing its customers with reliable services and effectively meeting rising electricity demand. The company aims to spend $22.6 billion in the next five years on the aforesaid initiatives. Notably, the utility expects long-term earnings growth in the 5-7% range. Also, new rates and an expanding customer base are major drivers.
The company is also focusing on transition to clean energy. In 2019, the utility's subsidiary NSP-Minnesota filed its Minnesota resource plan, which runs through 2034. Per this plan, Xcel Energy targets toachieve 80% carbon-emission reduction by 2030 and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
Other electric utilities are also adopting measures to supply clean and reliable energy to their customers. Some of the companies, namely Duke Energy DUK, DTE Energy DTE and Alliant Energy LNT are planning to provide absolute clean energy by 2050.
Notably, Xcel Energy’s liquidity level including Mankato Energy Center’s divestiture and debt issue totaled $3.5 billion. Such a solid cash position will be sufficient to meet its current debt obligations.
Headwinds
However, Xcel Energy’s natural gas transmission and distribution operations are exposed to several risks as in leaks and mechanical setbacks impacting its normal operations. Also, the company’s business activities are susceptible to cyber security hazards, which might induce a loss of valuable data. Further, it is subject to comprehensive environmental guidelines, which could flare up its operating costs.
Zacks Rank & Price Performance
In the past year, shares of this currently Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 4.2% against the industry’s fall of 6.4%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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