Is XEL a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 48.2/100. It is ranked #503 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 54/100, Momentum 51/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for XEL?

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 48.2 ranks it #503 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is XEL in?

XCEL ENERGY INC operates in the Utilities sector (Utilities industry) with a market cap of $49.73 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does XEL pay a dividend?

Yes, XEL pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.80%. The Utilities sector average yield is 2.83%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $28.00 in annual dividend income.

What is XEL's P/E ratio?

XEL has a trailing P/E ratio of 23.56x. The Utilities sector average is 23.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is XEL?

XEL's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 53.0%. ROE: 9.0% vs sector average 9.9%. High margins suggest pricing power and competitive moats.

How is XEL valued compared to peers?

XEL's value factor score is 54/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 23.6x, EV/EBITDA 28.2x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is XEL's debt level?

XEL's debt-to-equity ratio is 135%. Sector average: 165%. Moderate leverage is normal for established companies.

XEL has a beta of 0.20, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 93/100.

Does XEL have high short interest?

XEL's short interest factor score is 8/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

XEL Stock Analysis: Hold (Score 48.2/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
XEL	-0.47%	+2.03%	+0.61%	+11.54%	+20.42%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLU	-0.40%	+1.34%	+0.86%	+10.00%	-37.72%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.40%	-1.57%	+0.27%	+11.90%	-9.10%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-0.07%	+0.69%	-0.25%	+1.53%	+58.14%	-	-	-

Metric	XEL	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	23.6x	+0%
EV/EBITDA	28.2x	+492%
Price / Book	2.1x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
SWX Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.	55	49	70	54	19.3x	8.4%	46.9%	21.8%	-73.2%	163.0x	$6.3B	VS
LNG Cheniere Energy, Inc.	54	50	74	54	11.8x	39.2%	100.0%	28.6%	36.6%	174.0x	$58.0B	VS
TRP TC ENERGY CORP	53	36	72	59	20.9x	78.0%	98.4%	39.1%	16.2%	215.0x	$64.8B	VS
EIX EDISON INTERNATIONAL	53	47	74	60	8.3x	17.4%	50.0%	18.6%	32.6%	197.0x	$28.3B	VS
ET Energy Transfer LP	53	50	70	48	11.1x	12.0%	26.3%	7.3%	-3.7%	139.0x	$65.4B	VS
WMB WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.	52	50	58	57	33.1x	18.3%	83.0%	24.0%	25.1%	291.0x	$87.8B	VS
NEE NEXTERA ENERGY INC	52	50	60	60	33.5x	8.8%	56.0%	21.5%	23.3%	220.0x	$193.5B	VS
OGS ONE Gas, Inc.	51	49	62	53	28.5x	5.7%	48.4%	13.6%	7.2%	77.0x	$5.4B	VS
EMA EMERA INC	51	33	67	55	44.8x	17.1%	40.2%	7.9%	28.0%	149.0x	$15.8B	VS
FTS Fortis Inc.	51	35	72	57	25.5x	30.7%	71.8%	15.9%	-	140.0x	$28.6B	VS
XEL XCEL ENERGY INC	48	50	54	51	23.6x	9.0%	53.0%	14.5%	29.3%	135.0x	$49.7B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.5%	-	-	-	-	-	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
EBITDA Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	-48.5%	-	-	-	-	-	-21.9%	-8.3%	-7.2%	-1.0%	-1.8%
ROE %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.1%	3.7%	9.7%	11.1%	11.5%	11.1%	4.6%	5.0%	5.3%	6.5%	6.9%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.5%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.2%

EBITDA Margin %

0.2%

0.4%

0.3%

Net Margin %

0.1%

FCF Margin %

-48.5%

-21.9%

-8.3%

-7.2%

-1.0%

-1.8%

ROE %

0.1%

ROA %

0.0%

ROIC %

0.1%

3.7%

9.7%

11.1%

11.5%

11.1%

4.6%

5.0%

5.3%

6.5%

6.9%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$14.8B	$14.7B	$13.4B	$14.2B	$15.3B	$13.4B	$11.5B	$11.5B	$11.5B	$11.4B	$11.1B	$11.0B
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$5.0B	$4.7B	$4.5B	$4.5B	$4.3B	$4.0B
Gross Margin	53.0%	---	---	---	---	---	43.1%	41.0%	38.6%	39.6%	38.9%	36.2%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$2.1B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$1.6B	$1.4B	$1.2B
Total Operating Expenses	—	$12.1B	$11.1B	$11.7B	$12.9B	$11.2B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$2.9B	$2.6B	$2.4B	$2.5B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$2.1B	$2.1B	$2.0B	$2.2B	$2.2B	$2.0B
EBIT	$2.9B	$2.6B	$2.4B	$2.5B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$2.1B	$2.1B	$2.0B	$2.2B	$2.2B	$2.0B
EBITDA	$2.9B	$2.6B	$2.4B	$2.5B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$4.2B	$4.0B	$3.7B	$3.8B	$3.7B	$3.3B
Operating Margin	19.8%	17.6%	17.8%	17.5%	15.9%	16.4%	18.4%	18.3%	17.0%	19.5%	20.2%	18.1%
EBITDA Margin	19.8%	17.6%	17.8%	17.5%	15.9%	16.4%	36.4%	34.9%	32.3%	33.5%	32.9%	29.5%
	—	$1.5B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$953M	$842M	$798M	$736M	$652M	$628M	$620M	$569M
	—	$1.8B	$1.5B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.5B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	-$245M	-$402M	-$146M	-$135M	-$70M	-$6M	$128M	$181M	$542M	$581M	$543M
	$2.1B	$2.0B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.5B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.1B	$984M
Net Margin	14.5%	13.8%	14.4%	12.5%	11.3%	11.9%	12.8%	11.9%	10.9%	10.1%	10.1%	8.9%
	$3.44	$3.44	$3.44	$3.21	$3.18	$2.96	$2.79	$2.64	$2.47	$2.26	$2.21	$1.94
Diluted EPS	$3.44	$3.42	$3.44	$3.21	$3.17	$2.96	$2.79	$2.64	$2.47	$2.26	$2.21	$1.94
Weighted Avg Basic	—	587M	563M	552M	547M	539M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	589M	563M	552M	547M	540M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$14.8B

$14.7B

$13.4B

$14.2B

$15.3B

$13.4B

$11.5B

$11.4B

$11.1B

$11.0B

—

$5.0B

$4.7B

$4.5B

$4.3B

$4.0B

Gross Margin

53.0%

---

43.1%

41.0%

38.6%

39.6%

38.9%

36.2%

—

$2.1B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$1.6B

$1.4B

$1.2B

Total Operating Expenses

—

$12.1B

$11.1B

$11.7B

$12.9B

$11.2B

—

$2.9B

$2.6B

$2.4B

$2.5B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$2.1B

$2.0B

$2.2B

$2.0B

EBIT

$2.9B

$2.6B

$2.4B

$2.5B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$2.1B

$2.0B

$2.2B

$2.0B

EBITDA

$2.9B

$2.6B

$2.4B

$2.5B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$4.2B

$4.0B

$3.7B

$3.8B

$3.7B

$3.3B

Operating Margin

19.8%

17.6%

17.8%

17.5%

15.9%

16.4%

18.4%

18.3%

17.0%

19.5%

20.2%

18.1%

EBITDA Margin

19.8%

17.6%

17.8%

17.5%

15.9%

16.4%

36.4%

34.9%

32.3%

33.5%

32.9%

29.5%

—

$1.5B

$1.3B

$1.1B

$953M

$842M

$798M

$736M

$652M

$628M

$620M

$569M

—

$1.8B

$1.5B

$1.6B

$1.5B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

-$245M

-$402M

-$146M

-$135M

-$70M

-$6M

$128M

$181M

$542M

$581M

$543M

$2.1B

$2.0B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.5B

$1.4B

$1.3B

$1.1B

$984M

Net Margin

14.5%

13.8%

14.4%

12.5%

11.3%

11.9%

12.8%

11.9%

10.9%

10.1%

8.9%

$3.44

$3.21

$3.18

$2.96

$2.79

$2.64

$2.47

$2.26

$2.21

$1.94

Diluted EPS

$3.44

$3.42

$3.44

$3.21

$3.17

$2.96

$2.79

$2.64

$2.47

$2.26

$2.21

$1.94

Weighted Avg Basic

—

587M

563M

552M

547M

539M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

589M

563M

552M

547M

540M

—

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does XCEL ENERGY INC Do?

Xcel Energy Inc., through its subsidiaries, generates, purchases, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity. It operates through Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility, and All Other segments. The company generates electricity through coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydroelectric, solar, biomass, oil, wood/refuse, and wind energy sources. It also purchases, transports, distributes, and sells natural gas to retail customers, as well as transports customer-owned natural gas. In addition, the company develops and leases natural gas pipelines, and storage and compression facilities; and invests in rental housing projects, as well as procures equipment for the construction of renewable generation facilities. It serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the portions of Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. The company sells electricity to approximately 3.7 million customers; and natural gas to approximately 2.1 million customers. Xcel Energy Inc. was incorporated in 1909 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Utilities sector. The company is led by CEO Robert C. Frenzel and employs approximately 12,000 people, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a market capitalization of $49.7B, XEL is one of the prominent companies in the Utilities sector.

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, XCEL ENERGY INC receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 48.2/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.XEL ranks #503 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Utilities sector, XCEL ENERGY INC ranks #48 of 112 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Utilities peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

XEL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) currently trades at $82.77. The stock gained $1.31 (1.6%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for XEL is $84.23, which means the stock is currently trading -1.7% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $65.21, putting the stock 26.9% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 4.0M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is XEL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) carries a value factor score of 54/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 23.56x, compared to the Utilities sector average of 23.47x — a premium of 0%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 2.13x, versus the sector average of 1.98x. The price-to-sales ratio is 3.41x, compared to 0.82x for the average Utilities stock. On an enterprise value basis, XEL trades at 28.17x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.75x for the sector.

Overall, XEL's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

XCEL ENERGY INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 9.0%, compared to the Utilities sector average of 9.9%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 2.6% versus the sector average of 3.1%.

On a margin basis, XCEL ENERGY INC reports gross margins of 53.0%, compared to 53.1% for the sector. The operating margin is 19.8% (sector: 21.5%). Net profit margin stands at 14.5%, versus 12.8% for the average Utilities stock. Revenue growth is running at 29.3% on a trailing basis, compared to 20.1% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

XEL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

XCEL ENERGY INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 135.0%, compared to the Utilities sector average of 164.5%. Leverage is within a manageable range for the industry, though investors should monitor debt trends over time. The current ratio is 0.71x, which may signal near-term liquidity tightness. Total debt on the balance sheet is $31.83B. Cash and equivalents stand at $1.05B.

XEL has a beta of 0.20, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for XCEL ENERGY INC is 93/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

XCEL ENERGY INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, XCEL ENERGY INC reported revenue of $14.75B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.44. Net income for the quarter was $2.13B. Gross margin was 53.0%. Operating income came in at $2.91B.

In FY 2025, XCEL ENERGY INC reported revenue of $14.67B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.44. Net income for the quarter was $2.02B. Revenue grew 9.1% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $2.58B.

In Q3 2025, XCEL ENERGY INC reported revenue of $3.92B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.88. Net income for the quarter was $524M. Revenue grew 7.4% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $749M.

In Q2 2025, XCEL ENERGY INC reported revenue of $3.29B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.76. Net income for the quarter was $444M. Revenue grew 8.6% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $577M.

Over the past 8 quarters, XCEL ENERGY INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $3.03B to $14.75B. Investors analyzing XEL stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

XEL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.8%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in XEL stock would generate approximately $$280.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Utilities sector average dividend yield of 2.8%, meaning XEL yields less than the typical sector peer. The net margin of 14.5% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

XEL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) has a momentum factor score of 51/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 24/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 8/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

XEL vs Competitors — Utilities Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Utilities sector, XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) ranks #48 out of 112 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places XEL in the upper half of all Utilities stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include Energy Transfer LP (ET) with a score of 52.6/100, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (SWX) with a score of 54.8/100, NEXTERA ENERGY INC (NEE) with a score of 51.6/100, EDISON INTERNATIONAL (EIX) with a score of 53.0/100, and TC ENERGY CORP (TRP) with a score of 53.1/100.

Comparing XEL against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full XEL vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how XCEL ENERGY INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

XEL Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy XEL? — Investment Thesis Summary

XCEL ENERGY INC presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Low volatility (stability score 93/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 48.2/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on XEL stock.

Related Resources for XEL Investors

Explore more research and tools: XEL vs S&P 500 comparison, top Utilities stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare XEL head-to-head with peers: XEL vs ET, XEL vs SWX, XEL vs NEE.

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XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does XCEL ENERGY INC Do?

XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

XEL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is XEL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

XCEL ENERGY INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

XEL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

XCEL ENERGY INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

XEL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

XEL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

XEL vs Competitors — Utilities Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

XEL Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy XEL? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for XEL Investors

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