Xcel Energy
(
XEL
) will release its fourth quarter 2012 financial results before
the market bell on Jan 31, 2013. In the prior quarter, this
electric utility reported an earnings surprise of 8.33%. Xcel
Energy currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Let's see how things
are shaping up at Xcel Energy prior to this announcement.
Factors to Consider This Quarter
The company will continue to benefit from its ongoing cost saving
measures thereby boosting margins. As per a report from the U.S.
Energy Information Admistration, near normal winter weather in
the U.S. is likely to provide some benefit to the utlities in the
fourth quarter.
Xcel Energy produces nearly 80% of its electricity through
coal and natural gas plants. The ongoing systematic capital
investment will boost generation capabilities and enhance the
reliability of its service.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model does not conclusively show that Xcel Energy is
likely to beat earnings this quarter. That is because a stock
needs to have both a positive earnings Expected Surprise
Prediction (ESP) (Read:
Zacks Earnings ESP: A Better Method
) and a Zacks Rank of #1, 2 or 3 for this to happen. This is not
the case here.
Zacks ESP:
The Most Accurate estimate stands at 28 cents and the Zacks
Consensus Estimate is also in line at 28 cents, resulting in
0.00% ESP.
Zacks Rank #3 (Hold):
Xcel's Zacks Rank #3 enhances the chances of a surprise; however
the 0.00% ESP complicates the forecasting power making surprise
prediction difficult.
We note that Xcel registered an earnings surprise in last
three quarters. Even so we caution investors against the stock
going into the earnings announcement, as a Zacks earnings ESP of
0.00% lowers the possibility of an earnings surprise.
Other Stocks to Consider
Other companies you may want to consider on the basis of our
model which shows that they have the right combination of
elements to post an earnings beat this quarter are as follows:
Wisconsin Energy Corp.
(
WEC
) has earnings ESP of +2.38% and carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong
Buy).
Entergy Corporation
(
ETR
) has earnings ESP of +22.12% and carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Teco Energy Inc.
(
TE
) has earnings ESP of +20.0% and carries a Zacks Rank #3
(Hold).
ENTERGY CORP (ETR): Free Stock Analysis
Report
TECO ENERGY (TE): Free Stock Analysis Report
WISC ENERGY CP (WEC): Free Stock Analysis
Report
XCEL ENERGY INC (XEL): Free Stock Analysis
Report
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