Xcel Energy's fourth-quarter profits rose 7% over a year ago, just topping Wall Street forecasts.
Xcel fourth-quarter profits up 7%, mostly on tax benefits
Minnesota's largest utility company closed 2021 by meeting profit forecasts for 17th straight year.
The increase was largely due to an increase in income tax benefits.
Minneapolis-based Xcel on Thursday posted fourth-quarter earnings of $315 million or 58 cents a share; analysts on average were expecting 57 cents. In 2020's fourth quarter, Xcel had earnings of $288 million or 54 cents a share.
Xcel closed out 2021 with $1.6 billion in profits, up 6% on a per-share basis.
"We had a solid year delivering earnings of $2.96 per share and achieving our earnings guidance for the 17th consecutive year," Xcel CEO Bob Frenzel said in a news release.
Xcel, Minnesota's largest electricity provider and second largest gas company, recorded fourth-quarter sales of $3.4 billion, up from $2.9 billion a year ago.
Xcel's largest markets are Colorado and Minnesota, while it also operates in Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin, the Dakotas and a small slice of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Colorado proved to be Xcel's most dynamic market in 2021. Earnings per share rose 11 cents in Colorado over the year to $1.22.
In Minnesota, earnings per share were flat at $1.12. Xcel's Wisconsin operations also were flat 20 cents per share in 2021.
The company Thursday reaffirmed its 2022 earnings forecast of $3.10 to $3.20 per share.
Xcel's shares closed Thursday at $68.94, up 2%.
Pioneering surgeon has run afoul of Fairview Health Services, though, which suspended his hospital privileges amid an investigation of his patient care.