Xcel Energy (XEL) News Today

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) — shares moved higher after several broker actions and updated analyst forecasts. Below are the events likely driving the stock today and how each may influence investor sentiment.

• Positive Sentiment: TD Cowen initiated coverage with a "buy" rating and $93 price target, highlighting upside versus recent levels and likely supporting investor interest. TD Cowen Initiates Coverage on Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL)
• Positive Sentiment: TD Cowen then upgraded XEL to "strong-buy," reinforcing the bullish signal from initiation and likely contributing to buying pressure. Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL) Upgraded by TD Cowen to Strong-Buy Rating
• Positive Sentiment: Shares reached a new 52‑week high following the analyst upgrade, a technical signal that can draw momentum buyers and highlight positive sentiment. Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL) Sets New 52-Week High After Analyst Upgrade
• Positive Sentiment: Jefferies reaffirmed a buy stance on XEL, which supports the buy-side narrative and reduces downside from mixed analyst views. Jefferies Maintains Xcel Energy (XEL) Buy Recommendation
• Neutral Sentiment: KeyCorp provided updated multi-year estimates (FY2027: $4.46, FY2028: $4.80, FY2029: $5.15) and maintains an Overweight/$85 target — signaling confidence in long-term earnings growth but leaving near-term upside capped vs. higher TD Cowen target. What is KeyCorp's Forecast for Xcel Energy FY2027 Earnings?
• Neutral Sentiment: KeyCorp also issued updated quarterly and near-term estimates (Q3, Q4 and FY2025–FY2026 figures); these provide modeling clarity but include mixed small revisions, so impact is likely neutral overall. KeyCorp Predicts Xcel Energy's Q3 Earnings (NASDAQ:XEL)
• Negative Sentiment: Short interest surged ~72% in September to ~27.0M shares (short-interest ratio ~6.3 days), which raises the risk of volatile trade and potential downward pressure if sentiment turns or if shorts stay active. (No link provided)
• Negative Sentiment: KeyCorp trimmed its FY2025 EPS estimate slightly (to $3.81 from $3.84), a modest negative revision that could temper near-term expectations. KeyCorp Predicts Xcel Energy's Q3 Earnings (NASDAQ:XEL)

Investor takeaway: Broker upgrades (TD Cowen) and reaffirmations (Jefferies), plus KeyCorp's multi‑year growth projections, are driving positive momentum and the recent 52‑week high. Offsetting risks include a large rise in short interest and a slight near‑term earnings downgrade from KeyCorp — factors that could increase volatility. Monitor guidance/quarterly results and any follow-up analyst commentary for confirmation of sustained upside.