Xcel Energy (XEL) will raise its quarterly dividend by 6.6 percent to $0.405 per share in the first quarter of 2019. The new dividend yield for XEL is 3.0%. The new dividend is payable April 20, 2019, to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019.

“We are pleased to announce a $0.10 per share, or 6.6% increase in the common dividend, on an annualized basis, which reflects the strength of our balance sheet and our earnings growth profile. We recognize that strong dividend growth coupled with transparent earnings growth support our commitment to provide shareholders an attractive total return profile,” said Ben Fowke, chairman, president, and CEO of Xcel Energy.

Xcel Energy Inc. is a U.S. electric and natural gas delivery company, with operations in Western and Midwestern states, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. The company provides energy-related products and services to electricity customers and gas customers through its regulated operating companies. The company's four operating companies are: NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo (Public Service Company of Colorado) and SPS (Southwestern Public Service Co).