NiSource Inc . NI will release first-quarter 2016 financial results before the market opens on May 3, 2016. In the prior quarter, this electric and natural gas utility reported a positive earnings surprise of 3.33%. Let's see how things are shaping up at the company prior to this announcement.
Factors to Consider
NiSource has plans to strengthen its infrastructure and focus on its core operations by investing nearly $30 billion over the long term. This utility following the separation of Columbia Pipeline Group is aiming for 4% to 6% earnings growth.
This new gas rates approved in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts will help NiSource to generate additional revenues of nearly $65 million in 2016 from 2015 levels.
However, we believe the warmer-than-expected average temperature in the first quarter to adversely impact demand for electricity and natural gas.
Surprise History
The above chart indicates that NiSource was able to deliver positive surprises in three out of the last four quarters. The average positive surprise was 47.20%.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model does not conclusively show that NiSource is likely to beat earnings estimates this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. This is not the case here.
Zacks ESP : This is because the Most Accurate estimate is 55 cents while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 56 cents, resulting in -1.79% ESP.
Zacks Rank : Though NiSource's Zacks Rank #2 increases the predictive power of the ESP, its -1.79% ESP makes a beat uncertain this quarter.
We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell rated) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.
Stocks to Consider
Stocks in the utility space worth considering on the basis of our model are as follows:
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. PNW has an earnings ESP of +7.69% and a Zacks Rank #3. It is expected to report earnings on Apr 29, 2016.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. ED has an earnings ESP of +0.82% and a Zacks Rank #3. It is expected to report earnings on May 5, 2016.
Pattern Energy Group Inc. PEGI has an earnings ESP of +466.67% and a Zacks Rank #3. It is expected to report earnings on May 5, 2016.
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PINNACLE WEST (PNW): Free Stock Analysis Report
NISOURCE INC (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report
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PATTERN ENERGY (PEGI): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
