FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE) is scheduled to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 19, after market close. In the last four quarters, this utility player delivered average positive earnings surprise of 3.67%.
What Does the Zacks Model Say?
Our proven model shows that FirstEnergy is likely to beat estimates as it has the right combination of two key ingredients. A stock needs to have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Earnings ESP: The company has Earnings ESP of +1.04%.
Zacks Rank: FirstEnergy currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. The combination of FirstEnergy’s Zacks Rank #3 and +1.04% ESP makes us confident of an earnings beat in the upcoming quarterly results.
We caution against Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is witnessing negative estimate revisions.
Factors at Play
FirstEnergy, a fully-regulated company, is expected to benefit from the FE Tomorrow effort, which will lower costs and make a positive impact on the company's earnings.
The company has made investments to strengthen transmission and distribution lines to serve customers efficiently. The demand from residential and industrial customers continues to improve and the same is expected to aid results in the final quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter earnings is pegged at 48 cents, which is unchanged in the past 30 days.
Other Stocks to Consider
In addition to FirstEnergy, investors can also consider the following players from the same industry, which also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat in the to-be-reported quarter.
Portland General Electric (NYSE:GE) Company (NYSE:POR) has an Earnings ESP of +4.19% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is expected to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 15.
NiSource, Inc (NYSE:NI) has an Earnings ESP of +1.35% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 20.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) has an Earnings ESP of +4.17% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 22.
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.
Portland General Electric Company (POR): Free Stock Analysis Report
FirstEnergy Corporation (FE): Free Stock Analysis Report
NiSource, Inc (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Zacks Investment Research