The Board of Directors of Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) today raised the quarterly dividend on the company's common stock from 52 cents per share to 54.75 cents per share, which is equivalent to an annual rate of $2.19 per share. The dividends are payable April 20, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 15, 2024.

"Today's dividend increase of 5.3% marks the twenty first consecutive year that Xcel Energy has increased its dividend. It signals the strength of our business and our recognition of the importance of dividend growth to our shareholders," said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy.

"In addition, we have established a long-term dividend payout ratio target of 50-60 percent. Our dividend growth and earnings per share growth objectives remain 5-7 percent annually," said Frenzel.

Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company, with operations in 8 Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.8 million electricity customers and 2.2 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.

This information is not given in connection with any sale or offer for sale or offer to buy any securities.

Statements in this press release regarding Xcel Energy's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

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Xcel Energy Inc. Board Increases 2024 Common Dividend 5.3%, Declares Dividend on Common Stock