NiSource Inc NI delivered operating earnings of 38 cents per share in fourth-quarter 2018, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 37 cents by 2.7%. Earnings increased 15.2% from the year-ago quarter’s tally.On a GAAP basis, the company reported a loss of 5 cents compared with a loss of 16 cents in the year-ago quarter.In 2018, NiSource generated earnings of $1.30, up from $1.21 delivered in 2017.Total RevenuesNiSource generated total net revenues of $1,453.1 million in fourth-quarter 2018, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,400 million by 3.8%. Revenues increased from $1,361.4 million in the year-ago quarter.In 2018, NiSource generated revenues of $5,084 million, up from $4,904.8 million in 2017.NiSource, Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise NiSource, Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | NiSource, Inc QuoteHighlights of the ReleaseTotal operating expenses in the quarter under review increased 4% year over year to $658.7 million.Total interest expenses in the reported quarter fell 4.6% from the prior-year quarter’s figure to $88.1 million.Financial UpdateNiSource's cash and cash equivalents as of Dec 31, 2018 were $112.8 million, up from $29 million as of Dec 31, 2017.Long-term debts (excluding amounts due within a year) as of Dec 31, 2018 were $7,105.4 million compared with $ 7,512.2 million as of Dec 31, 2017.Net cash provided from operating activities in 2018 was $540.1 compared with $742.2 million in 2017.Guidance In 2019, NiSource expects to invest $1.6-$1.7 billion.The company’ management guided 2019 EPS in the range of $1.27-$1.33, whose mid-point of $1.30 is lower than the current Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.34.NiSource expects to grow its earnings and dividend by 5% to 7% annually from 2019 through 2022. The company expects to make capital investments of $1.6 to $2.0 billion annually from 2020 to 2022 time period.Zacks RankNiSource currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Other Utility ReleasesNextEra Energy, Inc NEE delivered fourth-quarter 2018 adjusted earnings of $1.49 per share, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51 by 1.3%.American Electric Power Co., Inc AEP generated fourth-quarter 2018 operating EPS of 72 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Xcel Energy Inc XEL posted fourth-quarter 2018 operating earnings of 42 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.See Latest Stocks Today >>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 NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE): Free Stock Analysis Report Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL): Free Stock Analysis Report NiSource, Inc (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research