Xcel Energy (XEL) Q4 Earnings Miss by a Cent, Revenues Lag

Minneapolis, MN-based Xcel Energy Inc. XEL has made a mark of its own in the electric utility space through its widespread operations and a solid customer base. The company currently operates primarily through its regulated utilities which lend a long-term growth potential.

Xcel’s operating utilities are engaged in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in the U.S. The utilities generate electricity using coal, nuclear, hydro, wind and solar energy. Except SPS, the company’s remaining utilities also purchase, transport, distribute and sell natural gas to retail customers, as well as transport customer-owned natural gas.

Estimate Trend & Surprise History

Investors should note that the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth quarter of 43 cents per share has decreased by 4.5% in the last 60 days.

Coming to the earnings surprise, Xcel Energy has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters. This led to an average positive surprise of 1.59%.

Zacks Rank: The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) but going further things could definitely change given the company’s recently released fourth quarter earnings results. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Going below we have mentioned some of the vital information from this just-revealed announcement:

Earnings: Xcel Energy reported fourth-quarter 2017 operational earnings of 42 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents by 2.3%.

Revenue: The Company lagged the revenue estimates in the reported quarter. Xcel Energy posted revenues of $2,796 million in the quarter, compared with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,940 million.

Key Stats: The company expects long-term earnings growth in the range to 5% -6% from a 2017 base of $2.30 per share.

Stock Price: It would be interesting to see how the market reacts to the negative earnings surprise during the trading session today.

Check back later for our full write up on this Xcel Energy earnings report!

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