HSBC Initiates Xcel Energy (XEL) at Buy

On October 22, 2026, HSBC launched coverage on Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL), giving the regional power provider a Buy rating along with an $89 price target. The evaluation came directly from the firm's research note issued that day. HSBC joins a string of Wall Street institutions reviewing the utility provider as autumn trading rolls forward.

XEL Xcel Energy Inc.

$78.19 ▲ +7.12% year to date

1M 3M YTD

Daily close · Oct 22, 2026

HSBC's Call on Xcel Energy

In its initiation note on October 22, 2026, HSBC set a Buy rating on Xcel Energy alongside an $89 price target. Because this report marks the start of HSBC's coverage on the stock, there was no prior rating or previous price target from the firm to compare against.

Other Institutional Activity in Xcel Energy

Large financial funds continue to adjust their positions in the utility sector. For instance, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. trimmed its holdings by 1,809,737 shares, ending the period with 16,269,553 shares worth about $1,287,572,414.

Xcel Energy Inc. Stock Up 2.2%

Xcel Energy shares closed at $79.14 on October 22, 2026, and recently traded around $76.82 as of October 22, 2026, putting the price down about 2.9% since that close. The stock sits up about 2.7% above its 50-day moving average of $74.79, while trading roughly 1.6% below its 200-day moving average of $78.08. The share price rests 8.8% below its 52-week high of $84.23 and 11.8% above its 52-week low of $68.72.

Recent Earnings

Xcel Energy posted trailing-twelve-month revenue of $14.62 billion and basic earnings of $3.65 per share. The company operates with a 15.3% net profit margin and a 9.9% return on equity, while revenue dropped 5.1% year-over-year. The company's next earnings report is scheduled for October 29, 2026.

Dividend

Xcel Energy pays an annual dividend rate of $2.37 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 3.15%. The company distributes 63.7% of its earnings as dividends, maintaining a regular payout backed by its regulated utility operations.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Wall Street firms have actively updated their views on Xcel Energy leading up to HSBC's coverage. Truist Securities maintained a Buy rating and lowered its target from $88.00 to $87.00 on October 14, 2026. Barclays kept an Overweight rating and trimmed its target from $90.00 to $85.00 on October 15, 2026. BMO Capital maintained an Outperform rating and reduced its target from $91.00 to $86.00 on October 20, 2026. Morgan Stanley maintained an Equal-Weight rating while raising its target from $83.00 to $85.00 on October 21, 2026. Overall, the stock carries a consensus recommendation of strong buy from 18 analysts, with a mean price target of $89.22.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Through its operating subsidiaries, it supplies regulated electricity and natural gas to customers across several states. The company manages extensive power generation, transmission, and distribution networks to serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

Bottom Line

Investors will watch the company's upcoming earnings report on October 29, 2026, for updated financial metrics. The new coverage from HSBC adds fresh perspective as market participants weigh the firm's outlook against broader sector trends.