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Utility Stock Earnings to Watch on Nov 1: AEP, EIX, PPL, ES

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The Q3 earnings season is picking up pace with 291 S&P 500 members having already released results. Reported earnings were up 2.2% year over year on 1.3% higher revenues.

For the remaining 209 index members, projections are of a 2% improvement in earnings on 1.4% higher revenues despite the expectations of a 65.4% plunge in earnings on 12.2% deterioration in revenues for the Oil & Energy sector. Notably, this could be the first quarter to record positive earnings growth after five quarters of back-to-back declines.

Four out of the 16 sectors in the Zacks coverage universe are expected to witness an earnings decline this season. However, utility is among the remaining 12 sectors that are expected to record positive growth this season. Read more details in our weekly Earnings Preview report.

Let us now focus on the utility sector, which is characterized by its defensive nature and domestic orientation.

Stringent emission control laws have spurred the demand for clean burning sources of energy like natural gas and renewables, lowering the usage of coal in electricity production. Per recent projections by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the share of natural gas in the electricity generation mix will increase to nearly 35% in 2016, reflecting growing preference for the fuel.

The utility sector is also known for its capital-intensive nature. This is because these companies need huge capital for setting up generation facilities, and transmission and distribution infrastructure. They also require considerable funds for upgrading the existing systems to meet emission control standards.

Because of this, utilities have been benefiting from the rock-bottom interest rate environment. However, talks hinting at a rate hike before the end of the year could hamper the growth momentum of the sector. Nevertheless, we expect warmer-than-normal weather in the U.S. during the third quarter to boost sales to a large extent.

In the third quarter of 2016, sector earnings are expected to be up 9.9% on 5.2% higher revenues.

Let’s take a look at a few utilities that are scheduled to report quarterly numbers on Oct 31.

American Electric Power Co., Inc. (AEP - Free Report) reported a positive earnings surprise of 5.56% last quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

American Electric Power’s Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate of $1.22 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21, is +0.83%. According to our proven model, stocks with the combination of a positive ESP and a Zacks Rank #1, #2 (Buy) or #3 have increased chances of beating estimates. (Read more: American Electric Q3 Earnings: A Beat in the Cards?)

AMER ELEC PWR Price and EPS Surprise

 

AMER ELEC PWR Price and EPS Surprise | AMER ELEC PWR Quote

Edison International (EIX - Free Report) reported a negative earnings surprise of 15.00% last quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.

The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at $1.31. (Read more: Edison International Q3 Earnings: A Surprise in Store?)

EDISON INTL Price and EPS Surprise

 

EDISON INTL Price and EPS Surprise | EDISON INTL Quote

PPL Corporation (PPL - Free Report) , another Zacks Rank #3 stock, reported a positive earnings surprise of 5.66% last quarter.

The company has an Earnings ESP of +1.70% as the Most Accurate Estimate is pegged at 60 cents, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at 59 cents. However, earlier, an earnings beat had been uncertain according to our model. (Read more: PPL Corp Q3 Earnings: What's in Store for the Stock?)

PPL CORP Price and EPS Surprise

 

PPL CORP Price and EPS Surprise | PPL CORP Quote

Eversource Energy (ES - Free Report) reported in-line earnings last quarter.

This Zacks Rank #3 company’s Earnings ESP is -2.50% as the Most Accurate estimate stands at 78 cents, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 80 cents. (Read more: Eversource Energy Q3 Earnings: What's in the Cards?)

EVERSOURCE EGY Price and EPS Surprise

 

EVERSOURCE EGY Price and EPS Surprise | EVERSOURCE EGY Quote

Please check our Earnings ESP Filter that enables you to find stocks that are expected to come out with earnings surprises.

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