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MINNEAPOLIS - On Thursday, Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) reported first quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations, as higher operating costs offset increased infrastructure investments.
The utility reaffirmed its full-year guidance, but shares declined -2.50% in premarket trading following the results.
Xcel Energy posted first quarter earnings of $0.84 per share, missing the analyst consensus of $0.93. Revenue came in at $3.91 billion, slightly below estimates of $3.93 billion but up 7% from $3.65 billion a year ago.
The company said earnings reflected higher operations and maintenance expenses, depreciation and interest charges, partially offset by increased recovery of infrastructure investments. Weather-normalized retail electric sales grew approximately 0.7% year-over-year.
"As we continue to advance our mission to make energy work better for our customers, we are building new generation, investing in system resilience and leading the energy transition to meet the goals and aspirations of the communities we serve," said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy.
Despite the earnings miss, Xcel Energy reaffirmed its 2025 ongoing earnings guidance range of $3.75 to $3.85 per share. This compares to the current analyst consensus of $4.13 per share.
The company said it expects weather-normalized retail electric sales to increase about 3% in 2025, with natural gas sales up around 1%. Capital rider revenue is projected to rise $200-$210 million.
Xcel Energy maintained its long-term annual EPS growth target of 6-8% and plans to increase its dividend by 4-6% annually.
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