Back to top

Image: Bigstock

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

Read MoreHide Full Article

Minneapolis, MN-based Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL - Free Report) 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%.

Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
 

Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Xcel Energy Inc. Quote

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!

Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2018

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2018?

Last year's 2017 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio produced double-digit winners, including FMC Corp. and VMware which racked up stellar gains of +67.9% and +61%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Don’t miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys.

Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2018 today >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) - free report >>

Published in