XEL

The article explains how investors can use the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool to identify stocks likely to beat earnings expectations. It highlights that combining positive ESP with a Zacks Rank #3 or better has historically resulted in positive earnings surprises 70% of the time with 28.3% average annual returns. Two utilities stocks are featured as examples: NextEra Energy and Xcel Energy, both with positive ESP figures ahead of their October earnings releases.

Zacks highlights two utility stocks with positive Earnings Surprise Prediction (ESP) metrics that could potentially beat upcoming earnings expectations. Xcel Energy (XEL) has a +1.50% ESP with a #3 Hold rating, while Entergy (ETR) has a +4.59% ESP with a #2 Buy rating. Both stocks are positioned to potentially deliver earnings surprises based on recent analyst revisions.

Xcel Energy agreed to sell its Michigan natural gas and electric operations, expected to close in 2027. The company plans a $60 billion investment through 2030 targeting 11% annual rate base growth and 6-8% EPS growth, supported by rising data center demand driving nearly 5% annual retail electricity sales growth.