NRG Energy, Inc. NRG is scheduled to report second-quarter 2019 results on Aug 7, before market open. In the last reported quarter, the company recorded negative earnings surprise of 12.82%Let’s see how things are shaping up for this earnings season.Factors to ConsiderNRG Energy is on track with its transformation plan, which is expected to drive results in the quarter to be reported. The company has been focused onmargin-enhancement initiatives throughout 2019.The company has completed the first half of its $1-billion 2019 share buyback program. We expect decline in outstanding shares to make a positive impact on second-quarter results.The company is also striving to reduce its long-term debts, which will strengthen balance sheet and lower its interest expenses. These initiatives are expected to drive margins and profitability in the quarter to be reported.Q2 EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings is pegged at 78 cents, which indicates a decline of 42.64% in the past 60 days.NRG Energy, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise NRG Energy, Inc. price-eps-surprise | NRG Energy, Inc. Quote Earnings WhisperOur proven model does not show that NRG Energy will beat estimates in the quarter to be reported. 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.Earnings ESP: The company’s Earnings ESP is -21.49%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: NRG Energy has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).Note that we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) or 5 going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is witnessing negative estimate revisions.Stocks to ConsiderInvestors can consider stocks from the same industry, which have the right combination of elements to beat estimates in the to-be-reported quarter.Pinnacle West Capital Corporation PNW has an Earnings ESP of +0.06% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to release second-quarter 2019 results on Aug 8.Black Hills Corporation BKH has an Earnings ESP of +0.75% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is scheduled to report second-quarter 2019 results on Aug 5.The Southern Company SO has an Earnings ESP of +0.46% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to release second-quarter 2019 results on Jul 31.Today's Best Stocks from ZacksWould you like to see the updated picks from our best market-beating strategies? From 2017 through 2018, while the S&P 500 gained +15.8%, five of our screens returned +38.0%, +61.3%, +61.6%, +68.1%, and +98.3%.This outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. From 2000 – 2018, while the S&P averaged +4.8% per year, our top strategies averaged up to +56.2% per year.See their latest picks free >>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 Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW): Free Stock Analysis Report NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG): Free Stock Analysis Report Southern Company (The) (SO): Free Stock Analysis Report Black Hills Corporation (BKH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.