Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy Inc. (NYSE:XEL) recorded second-quarter 2017 operating earnings of 45 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents by 4.6%. Earnings were 15.4% higher than the year-ago quarter.
The improvement in earnings was due to higher electric and natural gas margins and lower operating and maintenance expenses.
Total Revenue
Xcel Energy’s second-quarter revenues of $2,644.9 million lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,652 million by 0.3%. However, revenues were higher than the prior-year quarter level of $2,499.9 million by 5.8%.
Xcel Energy Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Xcel Energy Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Xcel Energy Inc. Quote
Segment Results
Electric: Segment revenues increased to $2,338.1 million from $2,244.1 million in the reported quarter.
Natural Gas: Quarterly revenues grew 11.9% to $289.8 million.
Other: The segment recorded revenues of $17.1 million in the quarter, up 1.8%.
Quarterly Highlights
Xcel Energy is expanding its renewable portfolio and has received approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to build seven new wind firms. This initiative will help the company to lower emission levels and maintain low energy costs for its customers.
Total operating expenses increased 5.7% year over year to $2,185.3 million. Costs increased primarily due to higher electric fuel and purchased power.
Operating income in the reported quarter was up 6.5% year over year to $459.7 million.
Looking Ahead
Xcel Energy has reiterated its 2017 operating earnings guidance in the range of $2.25–$2.35 per share.
The company projects long-term annual earnings growth rate of 4–6% and aims to increase its dividend by 5-6% annually.
Zacks Rank
Xcel Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Peer Releases
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) reported second-quarter 2017 adjusted earnings of $1.86 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.76 by 5.7%.
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) reported second-quarter 2017 earnings of $1.07 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 97 cents by 10.3%.
WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC) reported second-quarter 2017 operational earnings of 63 cents per share, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents by 6.8%.
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