Xcel Energy Inc. $XEL Shares Purchased by Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC

Key Points

• Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in Xcel Energy by 10.5%, holding a total of 521,980 shares valued at approximately $35.59 million as of the latest SEC filing.
• Xcel Energy's stock has received an average rating of "Moderate Buy" from analysts, with a consensus target price of $76.80, following recent upgrades from various investment firms.
• The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share, representing an annualized dividend yield of 3.2%, with a dividend payout ratio of 63.16%.

Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL - Free Report) by 10.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 521,980 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 49,636 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC owned 0.09% of Xcel Energy worth $35,594,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of XEL. Accent Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Xcel Energy during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. BankPlus Trust Department purchased a new stake in Xcel Energy during the first quarter worth $34,000. Rise Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Xcel Energy by 62.9% during the 2nd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 518 shares of the company's stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Rossby Financial LCC purchased a new stake in shares of Xcel Energy during the 1st quarter valued at $50,000. Finally, Ransom Advisory Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Xcel Energy during the 1st quarter valued at $50,000. 78.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Xcel Energy Stock Performance

XEL traded down $0.03 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $72.32. 370,204 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,755,704. The company's 50 day simple moving average is $72.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $70.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48. Xcel Energy Inc. has a 1-year low of $62.12 and a 1-year high of $74.57.

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $3.29 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.31 billion. Xcel Energy had a return on equity of 10.52% and a net margin of 14.85%.The firm's revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.54 EPS. Xcel Energy has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.750-3.850 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Xcel Energy Inc. will post 3.82 earnings per share for the current year.

Xcel Energy Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 15th. Xcel Energy's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 63.16%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley reiterated an "outperform" rating on shares of Xcel Energy in a report on Thursday, August 21st. Mizuho upped their target price on Xcel Energy from $74.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Friday, August 1st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised Xcel Energy from a "market perform" rating to an "outperform" rating and upped their target price for the company from $73.00 to $80.00 in a research report on Monday. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $77.50.

Xcel Energy Profile

Xcel Energy Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, purchasing, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. It operates through Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility, and All Other segments. The company generates electricity through wind, nuclear, hydroelectric, biomass, and solar energy sources, as well as coal, natural gas, oil, wood, and refuse-derived fuels.