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Utility Stocks' Q1 Earnings Due on Apr 28: SO, PCG & More

The Zacks Utilities sector is off to a mixed start to the first-quarter earnings season, with NextEra Energy NEE beating estimates by 7.3% while FirstEnergy Corp. FE lagging estimates by 3.2%.

Domestic-focused companies operating in the sector have been benefiting from new electric rates, customer additions, cost management, implementation of energy efficiency programs, ongoing investments to improve the resilience of the electric infrastructure against extreme weather conditions and their transition toward cost-effective alternate sources of fuel to produce electricity.

The revival of demand from the commercial and industrial groups of customers has been assisting the utility operators. Improvement in economic conditions after the pandemic has been generating fresh demand for utility services.

Yet, the performance of the capital-intensive utilities is likely to have been adversely impacted by the increase in interest rates from near zero levels. An increase in borrowing costs and the resultant rise in interest expenses are likely to have adversely impacted earnings of the companies operating in the space.

In the reported quarter, the utilities are expected to have benefited from higher demand. Cold winter months and above-average temperature in the month of March are expected to have boosted demand for electricity.

Per the current Earnings Trends report, the utility sector’s first-quarter earnings are expected to increase 9.3%, while revenues are estimated to decline 8%. Utilities is among the 10 Zacks sectors that are expected to earn more in the first quarter than the year-ago period.

According to the Zacks model, a company needs the right combination of two key ingredients — a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better — to increase the odds of an earnings surprise. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

The Southern Company’s SO first-quarter earnings are likely to have benefited from higher demand from industrial customers. SO’s expanding customer base is also expected to have boosted demand and had a positive impact on earnings. (Read more: Can Southern Sustain Its Beat Run in Q1 Earnings Show?)

Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for Southern Company this time around. It has an Earnings ESP of +2.16% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Southern Company The Price and EPS Surprise

Southern Company The Price and EPS Surprise
Southern Company The Price and EPS Surprise

Southern Company The price-eps-surprise | Southern Company The Quote

PG&E Corporation’s (PCG} first-quarter earnings are likely to have benefited from favorable weather conditions, which, in turn, are expected to have boosted demand. Cost-reduction initiatives are also expected to have a positive impact on earnings. (Read more: PG&E to Report Q1 Earnings: What's in the Offing?)

Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for PG&E Corp. this time around. It has an Earnings ESP of +1.96% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Price and EPS Surprise

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Price and EPS Surprise
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Price and EPS Surprise

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. price-eps-surprise | Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Quote

Alliant Energy’s LNT first-quarter earnings are likely to have benefited from higher demand from commercial and industrial customer groups. Earnings are also expected to have gained from contribution from increasing capital investments and the Allowance for Funds Used During Construction benefits from its solar projects under construction. (Read more: Alliant Energy to Post Q1 Earnings: What's in Store?)

Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Alliant Energy this time around. It has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Alliant Energy Corporation Price and EPS Surprise

Alliant Energy Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Alliant Energy Corporation Price and EPS Surprise

Alliant Energy Corporation price-eps-surprise | Alliant Energy Corporation Quote

Xcel Energy’s XEL first-quarter earnings are likely to have benefited from the expanding customer base and interim rate increase. The positives are expected to have been offset by an increase in operation & maintenance expenses. (Read more: Xcel Energy to Report Q1 Earnings: What's in the Offing?)

Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Xcel Energy this time around. It has an Earnings ESP of -1.45% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

Xcel Energy Inc. price-eps-surprise | Xcel Energy Inc. Quote

American Electric Power Company, Inc.’s AEP first-quarter earnings are likely to have been impacted by mixed weather conditions in its service territories. The expected increase in operating expenses is likely to have impacted earnings. (Read more: What's in Store for American Electric in Q1 Earnings?)

Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for American Electric Power this time around. It has an Earnings ESP of-0.07% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

American Electric Power Company, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
American Electric Power Company, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

American Electric Power Company, Inc. price-eps-surprise | American Electric Power Company, Inc. Quote

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.


Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) : Free Stock Analysis Report

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Southern Company The (SO) : Free Stock Analysis Report

FirstEnergy Corporation (FE) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PCG) : Free Stock Analysis Report

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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