Xcel Energy appoints Bria Shea as president for Minnesota operations

MINNEAPOLIS - Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL), a utility giant with a market capitalization of $47.9 billion that’s currently trading near its 52-week high, has named Bria Shea as president of its Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota operations, effective immediately, according to a company press release. According to InvestingPro data, the company appears to be trading above its Fair Value, with strong price momentum in recent months.

In her new role, Shea will oversee strategic planning, financial results, and operational outcomes for the utility’s Upper Midwest region, which accounts for approximately 40% of the company’s consolidated earnings. She will lead teams focused on customer service, community relations, and regulatory and government affairs. The company has demonstrated strong financial stability, maintaining dividend payments for 54 consecutive years, with annual revenues reaching nearly $14 billion.

Shea, who joined Xcel Energy in 2008, previously served as regional vice president of Planning and Policy, where she led government affairs and regulatory strategy for resource, transmission and distribution planning across the Upper Midwest.

"Bria has a steadfast commitment to make energy work better for our customers," said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. Frenzel noted that Shea will also join the company’s executive committee.

The operating company serves 1.6 million electricity customers and 600,000 natural gas customers across the three states, utilizing a mix of energy resources including nuclear, wind, solar and natural gas.

Shea succeeds Ryan Long, who was earlier appointed as executive vice president, chief legal and compliance officer. She currently serves on the board of the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership and has previously held board positions with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and YWCA Minneapolis.

Shea holds a Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College and a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law, both in Minnesota. For investors seeking deeper insights into Xcel Energy’s financial health and growth prospects, InvestingPro offers comprehensive analysis with 8 additional exclusive ProTips and detailed valuation metrics in its Pro Research Report.

In other recent news, Xcel Energy has made several significant announcements that are drawing attention from investors. The company is scheduled to release its third-quarter 2025 financial results on October 30, and BMO Capital has raised its price target on the stock to $87, maintaining an Outperform rating. Additionally, Xcel Energy has issued $900 million in 6.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due in 2085, with multiple financial institutions involved in the underwriting process. Evercore ISI has also initiated coverage on Xcel Energy with an Outperform rating and a price target of $92, citing the company’s potential benefits from AI and data center expansion.

In another development, S&P Global Ratings has revised its outlook for Xcel Energy to stable from negative following settlements related to wildfire claims, highlighting the company’s effective risk management. The company is taking a one-time $290 million charge to earnings, which significantly reduces its financial exposure. Furthermore, Xcel Energy reached a $640 million settlement to resolve all litigation related to the Marshall Fire, a figure that is considerably lower than the previously estimated $2 billion liability. KeyBanc has reiterated its Overweight rating on Xcel Energy, with a price target of $79, after the settlement.

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