Morgan Stanley Retains an Equal Rating on Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) is among the 15 Best Electric Utility Stocks to Invest In Now.

Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) is among the Best Utility Stocks.

On February 20, 2026, Morgan Stanley raised Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL)'s price target from $84 to $91 while keeping an Equal Weight rating. The firm raised its price projections for North American Regulated and Diversified Utilities and IPPs. Morgan Stanley observed that utilities fell behind the S&P in January. Morgan Stanley's Q4 earnings preview predicts balanced debates about data center pipelines, taking into account affordability and political considerations.

On February 13, 2026, UBS analyst William Appicelli elevated Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) to Buy from Neutral and increased his price target to $89 from $81. The firm noted a positive risk-reward ratio at current prices, with the stock trading at a 4% discount to the utility group. UBS said the market has not priced in the shares, even with a fully controlled 9% earnings growth rate and rising data center load patterns.

On February 6, 2026, BMO Capital hiked its price objective for Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) from $87 to $90 and maintained an Outperform rating following fourth-quarter results. BMO Capital cited clearer upside capital factors and a doubling of the data center backlog, backing its previous sales growth prediction.

Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) is an electric and natural gas distribution corporation. It works in three segments: Regulated Electric, Regulated Natural Gas Utility, and All Others.

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