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Utility Stocks Q2 Earnings Due on Aug 2: NI, ETR, D & More
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The Q2 earnings season has crossed the halfway mark. As of Jul 28, 286 S&P 500 members came up with quarterly earnings. Total earnings are up 11.3% from the same period last year on 6.1% higher revenues. 74.5% of the companies beat EPS estimates while 69.2% topped revenue estimates.
Nearly 1000 companies – including 130 S&P 500 members – are expected to come up with results this week. Combining the results of the reported index members (286 members till Jul 28) with the remaining 214 members of S&P 500, earnings are estimated to improve 9.2% on 5.0% higher revenues.
Let us now focus on the utility sector, which is characterized by its defensive nature and domestic orientation. Initially, when the season started, we expected earnings to drop 2.9%. However, as the season gradually unfolds, we expect utility earnings to drop 1.8%.
The utility sector is capital-intensive. These companies need huge capital to set up generation facilities, and transmission and distribution infrastructure. They also require considerable funds to maintain and upgrade the existing systems in order to meet emission-control standards. Utilities have been benefiting from the rock-bottom interest rate environment. However, the Federal Reserve has raised the rates twice in 2017 – in March and June. This will definitely hurt the utilities. The Fed has maintained its forecast for one more rate hike in 2017.
The U.S. coal-based utilities got a respite with President Trump’s decision to repeal the Climate Power Plan. Moreover, Trump has walked out of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Four out of the 16 sectors in the Zacks coverage universe are expected to witness an earnings decline this season. Read more details in our weekly Earnings Preview.
Let’s take a look at a few utilities that are scheduled to report quarterly numbers on Aug 2.
NiSource’s Earnings ESP is +10.00%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 11 cents, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 10 cents. According to our proven model, stocks with the combination of a positive ESP and a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 (Hold) have increased chances of beating estimates. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Meanwhile, 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.
Entergy Corporation (ETR - Free Report) reported a negative earnings surprise of 6.60% in the previous quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Entergy Corporation’s Earnings ESP is +0.83%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at $1.21, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.20.
Dominion Resources (D - Free Report) reported a positive earnings surprise of 1.04% in the previous quarter. The company currently holds a Zacks Rank #4.
Dominion Resources’ Earnings ESP is +4.55%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 69 cents, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 66 cents.
The Southern Company (SO - Free Report) reported a positive earnings surprise of 13.79% in the previous quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4.
The company’s Earnings ESP is +1.43%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 71 cents, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 70 cents.
Exelon Corporation (EXC - Free Report) reported a positive earnings surprise of 6.56% in the previous quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Exelon’s Earnings ESP is -3.70%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 52 cents, lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 54 cents.
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With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
Image: Bigstock
Utility Stocks Q2 Earnings Due on Aug 2: NI, ETR, D & More
The Q2 earnings season has crossed the halfway mark. As of Jul 28, 286 S&P 500 members came up with quarterly earnings. Total earnings are up 11.3% from the same period last year on 6.1% higher revenues. 74.5% of the companies beat EPS estimates while 69.2% topped revenue estimates.
Nearly 1000 companies – including 130 S&P 500 members – are expected to come up with results this week. Combining the results of the reported index members (286 members till Jul 28) with the remaining 214 members of S&P 500, earnings are estimated to improve 9.2% on 5.0% higher revenues.
Let us now focus on the utility sector, which is characterized by its defensive nature and domestic orientation. Initially, when the season started, we expected earnings to drop 2.9%. However, as the season gradually unfolds, we expect utility earnings to drop 1.8%.
The utility sector is capital-intensive. These companies need huge capital to set up generation facilities, and transmission and distribution infrastructure. They also require considerable funds to maintain and upgrade the existing systems in order to meet emission-control standards. Utilities have been benefiting from the rock-bottom interest rate environment. However, the Federal Reserve has raised the rates twice in 2017 – in March and June. This will definitely hurt the utilities. The Fed has maintained its forecast for one more rate hike in 2017.
The U.S. coal-based utilities got a respite with President Trump’s decision to repeal the Climate Power Plan. Moreover, Trump has walked out of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Four out of the 16 sectors in the Zacks coverage universe are expected to witness an earnings decline this season. Read more details in our weekly Earnings Preview.
Let’s take a look at a few utilities that are scheduled to report quarterly numbers on Aug 2.
NiSource Inc.’s (NI - Free Report) earnings were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the previous quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
NiSource, Inc Price and EPS Surprise
NiSource, Inc Price and EPS Surprise | NiSource, Inc Quote
NiSource’s Earnings ESP is +10.00%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 11 cents, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 10 cents. According to our proven model, stocks with the combination of a positive ESP and a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 (Hold) have increased chances of beating estimates. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
The company is likely to beat earnings because it has the right combination of the two key ingredients (read more: Is a Beat in Store for NiSource this Earnings Season?)
Meanwhile, 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.
Entergy Corporation (ETR - Free Report) reported a negative earnings surprise of 6.60% in the previous quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Entergy Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Entergy Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Entergy Corporation Quote
Entergy Corporation’s Earnings ESP is +0.83%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at $1.21, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.20.
Hence, it is likely to beat earnings as it has the right combination of the two key ingredients (read more: Is a Beat in Store for Entergy this Earnings Season?).
Dominion Resources (D - Free Report) reported a positive earnings surprise of 1.04% in the previous quarter. The company currently holds a Zacks Rank #4.
Dominion Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Dominion Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Dominion Energy Inc. Quote
Dominion Resources’ Earnings ESP is +4.55%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 69 cents, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 66 cents.
It is unlikely to beat earnings as it does not have the right combination of the two key ingredients (read more: Dominion to Report Q2 Earnings: What's in the Cards?).
The Southern Company (SO - Free Report) reported a positive earnings surprise of 13.79% in the previous quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4.
Southern Company (The) Price and EPS Surprise
Southern Company (The) Price and EPS Surprise | Southern Company (The) Quote
The company’s Earnings ESP is +1.43%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 71 cents, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 70 cents.
It is unlikely to beat earnings as it does not have the right combination of the two key ingredients (read more: Southern Company to Post Q2 Earnings: Hit or Miss?).
Exelon Corporation (EXC - Free Report) reported a positive earnings surprise of 6.56% in the previous quarter. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Exelon Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Exelon Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Exelon Corporation Quote
Exelon’s Earnings ESP is -3.70%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 52 cents, lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 54 cents.
It is unlikely to beat earnings as it does not have the right combination of the two key ingredients (read more: What's in Store for Exelon Corporation in Q2 Earnings?).
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
It's not the one you think.
See This Ticker Free >>