NiSource, Inc NI is scheduled to release third-quarter 2020 earnings on Nov 2, before the market opens. The company delivered an earnings surprise of 85.71% in the last reported quarter.Let’s discuss the factors that are likely to get reflected in the upcoming quarterly results.Factors to ConsiderAmid the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, demand from NiSource’s residential customers grew significantly, accounting for 59% of the utility’s revenues. This uptrend is likely to have continued in the third quarter too. Also, with easing of shutdown constraints, demand from the commercial and industrial group is expected to have bettered. Moreover, new gas ratesthat were effective during the September quarter are also expected to boost the upcoming earnings results.Further, the negative impact of the company’s payment flexibility initiatives to support its customers during the pandemic might have been offset by cost-management and regulatory solutions.Q3 ExpectationsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2020 sales is pegged at $971.65 million, which indicates an increase of 4.31% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at 2 cents.What Our Quantitative Model PredictsOur proven model predicts an earnings beat for NiSource this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat, which is the case here as you will see below. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.NiSource, Inc Price and EPS Surprise NiSource, Inc price-eps-surprise | NiSource, Inc QuoteEarnings ESP: NiSource has an Earnings ESP of +150.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: Currently, NiSource carries a Zacks Rank #3.Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some other companies worth considering from the same sector, which according to our model, have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings in the upcoming releases.CMS Energy CMS is set to release third-quarter 2020 results on Oct 29. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.15% and is Zacks #3 Ranked, presently.Southern Company SO is set to release third-quarter 2020 results on Oct 29. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.54% and is a #3 Ranked player at present.SJW Group SJW is set to release third-quarter 2020 results on Nov 4. It has an Earnings ESP of +2.15% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present.Zacks’ 2020 Election Stock Report:In addition to the companies you learned about above, we invite you to learn more about profiting from the upcoming presidential election. Trillions of dollars will shift into new market sectors after the votes are tallied, and investors could see significant gains. This report reveals specific stocks that could soar: 6 if Trump wins, 6 if Biden wins. Check out the 2020 Election Stock Report >>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 Southern Company The (SO): Free Stock Analysis Report CMS Energy Corporation (CMS): Free Stock Analysis Report NiSource, Inc (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report SJW Group (SJW): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research