Chesapeake Utilities Corporation CPK is set to report fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 26, before the opening bell. In the last reported quarter, the company recorded a negative earnings surprise of 29.17%.Let’s see how things are shaping up prior to the announcement.Factors to ConsiderChesapeake Utilities is expected to benefit from the new PPC New Smyrna Beach Pipeline that was placed in full service during the fourth quarter. However, Hurricane Michael impacted the company’s operation in northwest Florida. This, in turn, might dent its fourth-quarter earnings by 1-3 cents per share.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for total revenues in the quarter to be reported is pegged at $186 million, reflecting a 3.3% year-over-year increase. The consensus mark for earnings is pegged at $1.22 per share, representing a 31.2% rise from the year-ago period.Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Chesapeake Utilities Corporation QuoteEarnings WhispersOur proven model does not conclusively predict a positive earnings surprise for Chesapeake Utilities in the quarter to be reported. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. That is not the case here as you will see below. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Earnings ESP: Chesapeake Utilities has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as the Most Accurate Estimate matches the Zacks Consensus Estimate. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3, which, when combined with a 0.00% ESP, makes surprise prediction difficult and uncertain. We caution against Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.Stocks to ConsiderInvestors can consider the following stocks from the Zacks Utilities sector that have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this time around.Sempra Energy SRE is expected to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 26. The company has an Earnings ESP of +2.39% and a Zacks Rank of 3.PNM Resources, Inc. PNM has an Earnings ESP of +13.43% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to report fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 27.Pacific Gas & Electric Co. PCG is expected to announce fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 28. This Zacks #3 Ranked player has an Earnings ESP of +3.23%.Wall Street’s Next AmazonZacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius.Click for details >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PNM Resources, Inc. (Holding Co.) (PNM): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PCG): Free Stock Analysis Report Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK): Free Stock Analysis Report Sempra Energy (SRE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research