UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 11-K
| ý | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2023 or
| o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 1-3034
| A. Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below: | ||
New Century Energies, Inc.
Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for
Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
and
New Century Energies, Inc.
Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and
Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
| B. Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office: | ||
XCEL ENERGY INC.
414 NICOLLET MALL
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401
(612) 330-5500
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (BU Savings Plan) | |||||
| New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan For Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (EIP Savings Plan) | |||||
| Supplemental Schedules: | |||||
| Exhibits | |||||
Note: All other schedules required by Section 2520.103-10 of the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 have been omitted because they are not applicable.
2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Plan Administrator and Plan Participants of
New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and
Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and
Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (the "Plan") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Plan's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Plan in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Report on Supplemental Schedule
The supplemental schedule listed in the Table of Contents as of the year ended December 31, 2023, has been subjected to audit procedures in conjunction with the audit of the Plan's financial statements. The supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental schedule reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental schedule. In forming our opinion on the supplemental schedule, we evaluated whether the supplemental schedule, including its form and content, are presented in compliance with the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, such schedule is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 6, 2024
We have served as the auditor of the Plan since 2002.
3
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.
EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR
BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
| Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Investments at fair value (participant-directed): | ||||||||||||||
| General investments | $ | 469,948,010 | $ | 412,965,490 | ||||||||||
| Investment in Master Trust | 49,073,668 | 62,646,742 | ||||||||||||
| Total investments | 519,021,678 | 475,612,232 | ||||||||||||
| Receivables: | ||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy contributions | 11,073,671 | 10,714,365 | ||||||||||||
| Participant contributions | 608,392 | 561,492 | ||||||||||||
| Notes receivable from participants | 7,365,088 | 6,968,076 | ||||||||||||
| Total receivables | 19,047,151 | 18,243,933 | ||||||||||||
| Net assets available for benefits | $ | 538,068,829 | $ | 493,856,165 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
4
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.
EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR
BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
| Year Ended Dec. 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||
| Contributions: | ||||||||
| Xcel Energy | $ | 11,076,375 | ||||||
| Employee | 23,409,474 | |||||||
| Rollover | 729,141 | |||||||
| Total contributions | 35,214,990 | |||||||
| Investment income (loss): | ||||||||
| Plan interest in Master Trust loss | (5,357,061) | |||||||
| Interest and dividends | 9,632,652 | |||||||
| Net change in fair value of: | ||||||||
| Interest in mutual funds, self-directed brokerage accounts and collective trusts | 62,651,235 | |||||||
| Total investment income | 66,926,826 | |||||||
| Interest on notes receivable from participants | 416,282 | |||||||
| Benefits paid to participants | (57,807,594) | |||||||
| Administrative expenses | (501,615) | |||||||
| Increase in net assets before plan transfers | 44,248,889 | |||||||
| Transfer of plan assets | (36,225) | |||||||
| Net increase in net assets available for benefits | 44,212,664 | |||||||
| Net assets available for benefits at beginning of year | 493,856,165 | |||||||
| Net assets available for benefits at end of year | 538,068,829 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
5
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Plan Administrator and Plan Participants of
New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan
for Bargaining Unit Employees and
Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (the "Plan") as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Plan's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Plan in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Report on Supplemental Schedule
The supplemental schedule listed in the Table of Contents as of the year ended December 31, 2023, has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Plan’s financial statements. The supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental schedule reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental schedule. In forming our opinion on the supplemental schedule, we evaluated whether the supplemental schedule, including its form and content, are presented in compliance with the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, such schedule is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 6, 2024
We have served as the auditor of the Plan since 2002.
6
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.
EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING
UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
| Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Investments at fair value (participant-directed): | ||||||||||||||
| General investments | $ | 124,077,343 | $ | 104,161,117 | ||||||||||
| Investment in Master Trust | 28,282,642 | 35,567,632 | ||||||||||||
| Total investments | 152,359,985 | 139,728,749 | ||||||||||||
| Receivables: | ||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy contributions | 2,364,810 | 2,150,415 | ||||||||||||
| Participant contributions | 252,130 | 228,168 | ||||||||||||
| Notes receivable from participants | 4,277,551 | 4,097,907 | ||||||||||||
| Total receivables | 6,894,491 | 6,476,490 | ||||||||||||
| Net assets available for benefits | $ | 159,254,476 | $ | 146,205,239 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
7
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.
EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING
UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
| Year Ended Dec. 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||
| Contributions: | ||||||||
| Xcel Energy | $ | 2,364,810 | ||||||
| Employee | 6,668,754 | |||||||
| Rollover | 6,165 | |||||||
| Total contributions | 9,039,729 | |||||||
| Investment income (loss): | ||||||||
| Plan interest in Master Trust loss | (3,156,548) | |||||||
| Interest and dividends | 1,721,274 | |||||||
| Net change in fair value of: | ||||||||
| Interest in mutual funds, self-directed brokerage accounts, and collective trusts | 16,930,837 | |||||||
| Total investment income | 15,495,563 | |||||||
| Interest on notes receivable from participants | 242,899 | |||||||
| Benefits paid to participants | (11,526,920) | |||||||
| Administrative expenses | (202,034) | |||||||
| Net increase in net assets available for benefits | 13,049,237 | |||||||
| Net assets available for benefits at beginning of year | 146,205,239 | |||||||
| Net assets available for benefits at end of year | $ | 159,254,476 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
8
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR
BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
and
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT
EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DEC. 31, 2023 AND 2022 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2023
1. DESCRIPTION OF PLANS
The following includes a brief description of the New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (BU Savings Plan) and the New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (EIP Savings Plan), collectively the “Plans.” Participants should refer to their respective Plan Document or Summary Plan Description for more complete information. The notes to the financial statements generally apply to the Plans and specific disclosures are presented to address matters for individual plans, where applicable.
General – The Plans are defined contribution benefit plans which provide eligible employees of Plan sponsor, Xcel Energy Inc., and its participating subsidiaries (Xcel Energy) the opportunity to contribute to a qualified retirement savings plan. Each Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended.
For the BU Savings Plan and the EIP Savings Plan, Xcel Energy contributes the employer matching contribution in cash. Participant deferrals and employer matching contributions are invested into one or more investment funds as elected by the participants.
Plan and Trust Management – The Plan administrator is Xcel Energy, who has authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the Plans. Plan assets are held by a trustee under a trust agreement as adopted by Xcel Energy. The Plans’ assets invested in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock are held in the Xcel Energy Stock Fund within the Master Trust (see Note 4). The Xcel Energy Stock Fund also holds an immaterial amount of cash equivalents for operational purposes. Individual participant accounts are valued daily based on the current fair value of each asset type. The Vanguard Group is the record keeper and Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company (VFTC) serves as trustee for the Plans.
Transfer of Plan Assets – Assets are transferred amongst plans when an eligible participant moves from one benefit plan to another plan sponsored by Xcel Energy.
Eligibility
BU Savings Plan
All regular, full-time employees of Xcel Energy whose collective bargaining agreement allows for participation in the Plan on the first day of the month following date of hire, while a regular, part-time employee (one who works less than 40 hours per week) must complete one year and 1,000 hours of service to become eligible.
EIP Savings Plan
All regular, full-time employees of Xcel Energy whose collective bargaining agreement allows for participation in the Plan as soon as it is administratively feasible following their date of hire.
Employee and Employer Contributions – Each plan allows participants to contribute a portion of their compensation as pre-tax, pre-tax rollovers from other qualified retirement plans and allows for a discretionary employer matching contribution (see Note 3). The BU Savings Plan and the EIP Savings Plan also allow participant after-tax contributions.
Vesting – Employee contributions, matching contributions made by Xcel Energy and earnings in each Plan are immediately vested.
Distributions
BU Savings Plan
Benefits may be distributed after termination of employment, disability, or death (payable to designated beneficiary) in the form of a single lump sum, rollover to an IRA or another employer’s qualified plan.
9
EIP Savings Plan
Benefits may be distributed after termination of employment, disability, or death (payable to designated beneficiary) in the form of installments, a single lump sum or a rollover to an IRA or another employer’s qualified plan.
For each of the Plans, if the total amount of the participant’s vested account balance exceeds $1,000 at a distributable event, the participant may defer distribution until age 72, unless the participant consents in writing to commence distributions at an earlier date. If the total amount is less than $1,000, the Plan Administrator will schedule a payment date and the amount will be distributed as soon as it is administratively possible. All vested account balances remaining in the Plans after the participant decides to terminate employment with Xcel Energy for any reason will be invested in the funds of the participant’s choice. The participant will continue to receive their share of investment earnings and dividend distributions until the account is completely distributed.
Participant Accounts – Both Plans maintain individual accounts for each participant. Each participant’s account is credited with the participant’s contributions, Company matching contributions, and Plan earnings as applicable. Participant accounts are also charged with withdrawals, an allocation of Plan losses as applicable, and administrative expenses not paid by Xcel Energy. Allocations are based on participant earnings or account balances. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant’s vested account.
Forfeited Amounts – For the plan year ended Dec. 31, 2023, there were no forfeitures.
Plan Termination – While Xcel Energy expects to continue the Plans, it reserves the right at its sole and absolute discretion to amend, modify, change or terminate the Plans for whatever reason it deems appropriate, subject to collective bargaining obligations. If Xcel Energy were to terminate the Plans, assets would be distributed in accordance with ERISA guidelines.
Administrative Expenses – Xcel Energy pays certain administrative expenses of the Plans. Certain investment advisory, trustee and recordkeeping fees are paid by the Plans or by the participant, as applicable. The Self-Directed Brokerage Option annual account maintenance fee and plan recordkeeping fees are paid by the participant. Loan set-up fees are paid by Xcel Energy under the BU Savings Plan. Loan set-up fees and annual maintenance fees are paid by the participant under the EIP Savings Plan.
Xcel Energy Inc. Common Stock Dividends
BU Savings Plan
Dividends paid on shares held in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock within the Master Trust are paid quarterly to Plan participants in cash as a taxable distribution.
EIP Savings Plan
Dividends paid on shares held in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock within the Master Trust are automatically reinvested in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock unless the participant elects to receive them as a taxable cash distribution.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting – The accompanying financial statements of the Plans have been prepared under the accrual method of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and changes therein and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of additions and deductions during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties – The Plans provide for investment in a variety of investment funds. Investments, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit and overall market volatility risk. Market risks include global events which could impact the value of investment securities, such as a pandemic or international conflict. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investments, it is reasonably possible that changes in investment values will occur in the near term and such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and amounts reported in the financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements – The Plans present money market funds and mutual funds (registered investment companies), the Xcel Energy Stock Fund held within the Master Trust, collective trusts, and self-directed brokerage accounts investments at fair value in its financial statements.
The fair values of money market funds are based on quoted net asset value (NAV), calculated as $1 per share, and are included in the Fair Value hierarchy as Level 1 investments (see note 6).The fair values of mutual funds and Xcel Energy Inc. common stock are based on quoted market prices and reported as Level 1 investments.
10
The self-directed brokerage option allows participants to self-direct investments in a wider variety of mutual funds, equity securities, and debt securities. Within self-directed brokerage accounts, the fair value of mutual funds and equity securities are based on quoted market prices and are assigned as Level 1 investments, while the fair values of debt securities are based on market interest rate curves and recent trades of similarly rated securities and are assigned as Level 2 investments.
Collective trusts include investments in retirement target date trusts, which have been assigned as Level 2 investments, and are valued at the underlying investments’ NAV at the close of the day multiplied by the number of shares in the fund.
Notes Receivable from Participants – Notes receivable from participants are measured at their unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Delinquent participant loans are recorded as deemed distributions based on Plan document terms.
Investments – The Plans’ net asset investments include money market funds, various mutual funds, collective trusts, a portion of the Master Trust, and self-directed brokerage accounts. Each participant elects the percentage of his or her account balance to be invested in each investment option. Investment income (loss) includes interest and dividends. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments and unrealized gains or losses in the fair value of investments are shown as net appreciation (depreciation) in the fair value of investments. Total investment income (loss) is allocated to each fund based on the number of units in each fund. Security transactions are recognized on the trade date (the date the order to buy or sell is executed).
Income Recognition – The difference between fair value and cost of investments, including realized and unrealized gains and losses, is reflected in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Payment of Benefits – Benefit payments are recorded when paid.
3. PLAN FUNDING
Employee Contributions
BU Savings Plan
Participants may elect to contribute up to 20% of their annual compensation in pre-tax contributions and up to 8% in after-tax contributions. The combination of pre-tax contributions up to $22,500 in 2023, and after-tax contributions cannot exceed 20% of their annual compensation. Participants who are age 50 or older during the Plan year may make additional pre-tax (catch-up) contributions up to $7,500 in 2023. The Plan is required to make corrective distributions when IRS limits are exceeded due to excess deferrals, excess contributions and excess annual additions, which are returned to participants during the subsequent Plan year.
EIP Savings Plan
Participants may elect to make either regular 401(k) pre-tax deferrals, Roth 401(k) after-tax deferrals or a combination of both not to exceed 30% of their base pay or $22,500 in 2023. Participants who are age 50 or older during the Plan year, may make additional catch-up contributions (pre-tax and/or Roth 401(k) after-tax) up to $7,500 in 2023. The Plan is required to make corrective distributions when IRS limits are exceeded due to excess deferrals, excess contributions and excess annual additions, which are returned to participants during the subsequent Plan year.
The EIP Savings Plan has an automatic enrollment program for newly hired/rehired full-time employees in regular status. Eligible employees who do not make an affirmative election or do not waive Plan participation within 30 days from date of hire/rehire are automatically enrolled at an initial percentage of base pay (4% pre-tax in 2023 and 2022), contribution rates are automatically increased each year by 1% (capped at 10%), and their accounts are automatically invested in an age-appropriate target-date fund. Employees who are automatically enrolled can opt out of the default options and make their own independent choices at any time.
Employer Contributions
BU Savings Plan
Xcel Energy provides a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 3%, and 50% of the next 4% of a participant’s pre-tax contributions during the Plan year. All Plan participants are eligible for the matching contribution, regardless of their employment status at year-end. Employer contributions may be made at any time during the Plan year or after its close, but not later than 60 days after the close of the Plan year. 2023 employer contributions were paid in February 2024. The contribution is based on each participant’s annual contribution and eligible compensation as defined in the Plan Document.
11
EIP Savings Plan
Xcel Energy provides a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 8% of base pay contributed by the employee on a pre-tax and/or Roth 401(k) after-tax basis during the Plan year. All employees participating in the Plan are eligible for a matching contribution, regardless of their employment status at year-end. Matching contributions are allocated after the close of the Plan year, typically during the first quarter. 2023 employer contributions were paid in February 2024. The contribution is based on each employee’s annual contribution and eligible compensation as defined in the Plan Document.
Investment of Employee and Employer Contributions – Participants may invest their contributions among various investment funds offered by the Plans. Any dividends and interest earned on their investments will be reinvested in each of those same investments automatically. For the 2023 Plan year, Xcel Energy matching contributions made to the BU Savings Plan and the EIP Savings Plan were paid in cash and invested in accordance with the participant’s investment election.
4. INTEREST IN MASTER TRUST
The Master Trust is an investment vehicle consisting of Xcel Energy Inc. common stock and a small amount of cash to ensure daily liquidity. The Master Trust pools the stock investment from all four Xcel Energy Inc. sponsored 401(k) plans to reduce administrative and investment expenses. The value of each Plan’s interest in the Master Trust is based on the beginning of the year value of the interest in the Master Trust, plus actual contributions, transfers and allocated investment income or loss, less actual distributions and allocated administrative expenses. Investment income or loss and administrative expenses related to the Master Trust are allocated to the individual plans based upon the daily valuation of the balances invested by each plan.
The net change in value from participation in the Master Trust is reported as one line item in the accompanying Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits and each Plan’s interest in the Master Trust is reported as a single line item in the accompanying Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits.
A summary of the Plans’ interest in Master Trust as of Dec. 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized below:
| Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| BU Savings Plan | EIP Savings Plan | |||||||||||||
| Interest in Master Trust (in approximate shares) | 786,059 | 453,030 | ||||||||||||
| Interest in Master Trust (in percentage) | 16.0 | % | 9.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| BU Savings Plan | EIP Savings Plan | |||||||||||||
| Interest in Master Trust (in approximate shares) | 887,379 | 503,809 | ||||||||||||
| Interest in Master Trust (in percentage) | 16.2 | % | 9.2 | % | ||||||||||
A summary of the Plans’ interest in Master Trust loss for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023 is below:
| For the year ended Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| BU Savings Plan | EIP Savings Plan | |||||||||||||
| Interest in Master Trust loss (in percentage) | 16.1 | % | 9.5 | % | ||||||||||
The Plans have an undivided interest in each security in the Master Trust.
12
A summary of the net assets of the Master Trust and the Plans’ interest in Master Trust as of Dec. 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized below:
| Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Master Trust Balances | BU Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances | EIP Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investments at fair value: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy Stock Fund | $ | 303,493,646 | $ | 48,664,917 | $ | 28,047,067 | ||||||||||||||
| Securities settlements receivable, payable and other | 2,549,131 | 408,751 | 235,575 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net assets | $ | 306,042,777 | $ | 49,073,668 | $ | 28,282,642 | ||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Master Trust Balances | BU Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances | EIP Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investments at fair value: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy Stock Fund | $ | 383,083,743 | $ | 62,214,145 | $ | 35,322,025 | ||||||||||||||
| Securities settlements receivable, payable and other | 2,663,719 | 432,597 | 245,607 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net assets | $ | 385,747,462 | $ | 62,646,742 | $ | 35,567,632 | ||||||||||||||
Master Trust and Plans’ interest in Master Trust income for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023 are as follows:
| Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Master Trust Balances | BU Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances | EIP Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest, dividend and other income | $ | 10,774,355 | $ | 1,724,541 | $ | 1,013,270 | ||||||||||||||
| Realized and unrealized loss in Xcel Energy Stock Fund | (44,056,494) | (7,081,602) | (4,169,818) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net loss | $ | (33,282,139) | $ | (5,357,061) | $ | (3,156,548) | ||||||||||||||
5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
The IRS has determined and informed Xcel Energy by letters dated March 24, 2017 and March 13, 2017, respectively, that the BU Savings Plan and the EIP Savings Plan meet the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986, as amended. Xcel Energy believes that the Plans are currently designed and are being operated in compliance with applicable requirements of the IRC and that the Plans continue to be tax-exempt. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been included in the Plans’ financial statements.
6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value was established by this guidance. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets as of the reporting date. The types of assets included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as listed mutual funds and money market funds.
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of assets included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with models using highly observable inputs, as is the case with preferred stock. The collective trusts are not actively traded on an exchange.
Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date. The types of assets included in Level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation.
13
The following tables present, for each of these hierarchy levels, the Plans’ assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| BU Savings Plan | Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual Funds | $ | 193,501,506 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 193,501,506 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Collective Trusts | — | 244,718,712 | — | 244,718,712 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts | 6,547,943 | — | — | 6,547,943 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money Market Funds | 25,179,849 | — | — | 25,179,849 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plan Interest in Master Trust: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy Stock Fund | 49,073,668 | — | — | 49,073,668 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 274,302,966 | $ | 244,718,712 | $ | — | $ | 519,021,678 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual Funds | $ | 172,722,975 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 172,722,975 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Collective Trusts | — | 208,376,060 | — | 208,376,060 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts | 5,660,109 | — | — | 5,660,109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money Market Funds | 26,206,346 | — | — | 26,206,346 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plan Interest in Master Trust: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy Stock Fund | 62,646,742 | — | — | 62,646,742 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 267,236,172 | $ | 208,376,060 | $ | — | $ | 475,612,232 | ||||||||||||||||||
| EIP Savings Plan | Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual Funds | $ | 43,962,644 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 43,962,644 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Collective Trusts | — | 72,436,638 | — | 72,436,638 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts | 3,162,938 | — | — | 3,162,938 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money Market Funds | 4,515,123 | — | — | 4,515,123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plan Interest in Master Trust: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy Stock Fund | 28,282,642 | — | — | 28,282,642 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 79,923,347 | $ | 72,436,638 | $ | — | $ | 152,359,985 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual Funds | $ | 38,670,112 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 38,670,112 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Collective Trusts | — | 59,592,229 | — | 59,592,229 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts | 2,092,191 | — | — | 2,092,191 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money Market Funds | 3,806,585 | — | — | 3,806,585 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plan Interest in Master Trust: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xcel Energy Stock Fund | 35,567,632 | — | — | 35,567,632 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 80,136,520 | $ | 59,592,229 | $ | — | $ | 139,728,749 | ||||||||||||||||||
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7. NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM PARTICIPANTS
The Plans allow participants to borrow against funds held in their account in any amount greater than $1,000 but less than 50% of the participant’s vested account balance. In no event can a participant borrow more than $50,000 less the participant’s highest outstanding loan balance during the preceding 12 months. Only one outstanding loan is permitted at any time and may not exceed a period of 5 years for a general-purpose loan or 15 years for a principal residence loan. The loan shall bear a rate of interest equal to the prime rate in effect on the first business day of the month the loan request is approved plus 1%, and stays in effect until the loan is repaid. Repayment of the loan plus interest is made through automatic payroll deductions and is credited to each participant’s account as paid. If a participant retires or terminates employment for any reason, the outstanding loan balance must be repaid within 90 days from the date of termination, unless the participant elects to continue making monthly installment payments established by the Plan Administrator.
A summary of the Plans’ notes receivable as of Dec. 31, 2023 and 2022 is below:
BU Savings Plan
| Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Interest rates on outstanding loans | 4.25% - 9.50% | 4.25% - 8.0% | ||||||||||||
| Maturity range | 2024 - 2038 | 2023 - 2037 | ||||||||||||
EIP Savings Plan
| Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Interest rates on outstanding loans | 4.25% - 9.50% | 4.25% - 8.25% | ||||||||||||
| Maturity range | 2024 - 2038 | 2023 - 2036 | ||||||||||||
8. EXEMPT PARTY-IN-INTEREST TRANSACTIONS
The Plans’ investments include shares of Xcel Energy Inc. common stock. For the BU Savings Plan, on the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits, the value of interest in Master Trust included dividends declared and payable to the Plan of $408,751 at Dec. 31, 2023, and $432,597 at Dec. 31, 2022. For the EIP Savings Plan, on the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits, the value of interest in Master Trust included dividends declared and payable to the Plan of $235,575 at Dec. 31, 2023, and $245,607 at Dec. 31, 2022.
The Plans also invest in shares of mutual funds and collective trusts managed by an affiliate of VFTC. VFTC acts as trustee for all Plan investments. Transactions in such investments qualify as party-in-interest transactions that are exempt from the prohibited transaction rules. The BU Savings Plan incurred fees for investment management and recordkeeping services of $501,615 for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023. The EIP Savings Plan incurred fees for investment management and recordkeeping services of $202,034 for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023.
9. RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500
The following is a reconciliation of Net Assets Available for Benefits and Net Decrease in Net Assets Available for Benefits per the financial statements to net assets and net income per the Form 5500 as of Dec. 31, 2023 and 2022, and for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, as applicable:
BU Savings Plan:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Net assets available for benefit per the financial statements | $ | 538,068,829 | $ | 493,856,165 | ||||||||||
| Deemed distributions of participant loans | (145,968) | (114,875) | ||||||||||||
| Net assets available for benefit per the Form 5500 | $ | 537,922,861 | $ | 493,741,290 | ||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||
| Increase in net assets available for benefit per the financial statements | $ | 44,212,664 | ||||||
| Transfer of Plan Assets | 36,225 | |||||||
| Deemed distributions activity | (31,093) | |||||||
| Net income per the 5500 | $ | 44,217,796 | ||||||
15
EIP Savings Plan:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Net assets available for benefit per the financial statements | $ | 159,254,476 | $ | 146,205,239 | ||||||||||
| Deemed distributions of participant loans | (8,634) | (8,634) | ||||||||||||
| Net assets available for benefit per the Form 5500 | $ | 159,245,842 | $ | 146,196,605 | ||||||||||
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, there were no deemed distributions, which would have impacted net income per the Form 5500.
16
| NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES | Schedule 1 | ||||
| Schedule of Assets (Held at Year End) | |||||
| As of Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||
| New Century Energies, Inc. Employee’s Saving and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees, EIN 41-0448030, Plan 005 | |||||
| Attachment to Form 5500, Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4(i) | |||||
| Identity of Issue, Borrower, Lessor, or Similar Party | Description of Investment, Including Maturity Date, Rate of Interest, Collateral, and Par or Maturity Value | Cost | Current Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares | ** | $ | 80,697,192 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust | ** | 74,503,908 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Developed Market Index Institutional Plus | ** | 38,711,115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares | ** | 32,676,796 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Institutional Total Bond Market Index Trust | ** | 27,316,590 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Federal Money Market | ** | 25,179,849 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Trust Plus | ** | 18,271,516 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Trust Plus | ** | 16,780,761 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Trust Plus | ** | 15,478,922 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Trust Plus | ** | 14,845,260 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Trust Plus | ** | 14,315,068 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares | ** | 14,181,331 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Trust Plus | ** | 13,137,080 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares | ** | 12,928,917 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| BlackRock | BlackRock Total Return Bond Fund; Class M | ** | 12,349,010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Trust Plus | ** | 12,090,832 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Trust Plus | ** | 11,380,694 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Trust Plus | ** | 9,239,335 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares | ** | 9,168,297 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts | ** | 6,547,943 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares | ** | 5,137,858 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Trust Plus | ** | 2,901,314 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2065 Trust Plus | ** | 1,813,532 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Trust Plus | ** | 178,539 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement Income and Growth Trust Plus | ** | 80,633 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Extended Market Index Trust | ** | 35,718 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Notes Receivable from Participants, net of deemed distributions of $145,968 — Interest rates between 4.25%-9.50% with maturities ranging from 2024 through 2038 | ** | 7,219,120 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Investments | $ | 477,167,130 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Party in Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ** | Historical cost is not required for participant-directed funds. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
17
| NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES | Schedule 1 | ||||
| Schedule of Assets (Held at Year End) | |||||
| As of Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||
| New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees, EIN 41-0448030, Plan 006 | |||||
| Attachment to Form 5500, Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4(i) | |||||
| Identity of Issue, Borrower,Lessor, or Similar Party | Description of Investment, Including Maturity Date, Rate of Interest,Collateral, and Par or Maturity Value | Cost | Current Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust | ** | $ | 21,160,760 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares | ** | 12,192,721 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund: Inst'l Plus Shares | ** | 10,152,372 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares | ** | 9,654,865 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Institutional Total Bond Market Index Trust | ** | 8,104,652 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Trust Plus | ** | 6,021,765 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Trust Plus | ** | 5,324,210 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Trust Plus | ** | 5,008,627 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Trust Plus | ** | 4,886,153 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Trust Plus | ** | 4,729,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| BlackRock | BlackRock Total Return Bond Fund; Class M | ** | 4,552,745 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund | ** | 4,515,123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund: Inst'l Plus Shr | ** | 4,155,140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund: Inst'l Shares | ** | 4,113,123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Trust Plus | ** | 3,307,690 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Self-Directed Brokerage Fund | ** | 3,162,938 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Trust Plus | ** | 3,118,167 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Trust Plus | ** | 2,822,886 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares | ** | 2,774,088 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Trust Plus | ** | 1,432,478 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Trust Plus | ** | 1,233,704 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund: Inst'l Shares | ** | 920,335 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2065 Trust Plus | ** | 667,870 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Trust Plus | ** | 44,478 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Vanguard | Vanguard Institutional Extended Market Index Trust | ** | 20,703 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Notes Receivable from Participants, net of deemed distributions of $8,634 — Interest rates between 4.25% - 9.50% with maturities ranging from 2024 through 2038 | ** | 4,268,917 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Investments | $ | 128,346,260 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Party in Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ** | Historical cost is not required for participant-directed funds. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
18
XCEL ENERGY INC.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Xcel Energy Inc. has duly caused this annual report on Form 11-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on June 6, 2024.
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND
STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT
PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER
NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
| By | /s/ Brian J. Van Abel | |||||||
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Director | ||||||||
| Member, Pension Trust Administration Committee | ||||||||
19