Xcel Energy price target lifted by Morgan Stanley, shares in focus on the NASDAQ

By Anna Wagner, Analysts & Consensus desk. Reviewed prior to publication on 2026-06-27, 14:20.

Xcel Energy (US98389B1008) drew analyst attention this week after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the NASDAQ-listed utility. The Wall Street firm reaffirmed its Equal Weight rating while nudging the target from 87 to 89 US dollars according to a recent analyst note. Analyst summary of the Morgan Stanley update

What Morgan Stanley changed

Morgan Stanley's adjustment on June 24 lifts the 12-month target for Xcel Energy shares to 89 dollars, an increase of around 2 dollars from the prior 87-dollar mark. Coverage of the revised price target The rating remains at Equal Weight, signaling that the bank sees the stock broadly in line with its sector peers in terms of risk and reward.

The revised target implies an upside potential of close to 9 percent from the recent share price, based on data cited in the analyst commentary. Valuation context for Xcel Energy The note highlights Xcel Energy's regulated electricity and natural gas operations across eight Western and Midwestern US states as a foundation for predictable cash flows and its current dividend yield of around 2.9 percent.

Consensus view on the Xcel Energy shares

Beyond Morgan Stanley, Xcel Energy features regularly in dividend-oriented strategies due to its consistent payout track record and regulated rate base. The company is listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker XEL and is often compared with other US regulated utilities in the S&P 500, such as NextEra Energy and Duke Energy, when investors screen for stable dividend profiles. Recent news and analyst items on Xcel Energy

According to recent commentary, the roughly 2.90 percent annual dividend yield sits in a middle range for US utilities, neither unusually high nor notably low compared with peers. Dividend-focused overview including Xcel Energy That helps position the stock as a steady income vehicle for investors seeking regulated exposure rather than high-growth, high-volatility names.

The business behind the stock

Xcel Energy’s core business is regulated electricity and natural gas distribution and generation across several US states, including Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas. The company operates a mix of power generation assets, from coal and natural gas plants to nuclear facilities and an expanding portfolio of wind and solar projects, while earning regulated returns on its transmission and distribution infrastructure. Corporate overview and resource planning information

Where the Xcel Energy shares trade

The Xcel Energy shares (US98389B1008) most recently closed on the NASDAQ at around 82.23 US dollars on 2026-06-26, with after-hours indications modestly below that level. Recent trading data for XEL This price level forms the reference point for Morgan Stanley’s updated 89-dollar target.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell securities, or a solicitation of any transaction. All data are based on sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.