Xcel Energy XEL is expected to deliver a positive earnings surprise in first-quarter 2018, before the market opens, on Apr 26. This utility reported a negative earnings surprise of 2.33% in the last quarter.Why a Likely Positive SurpriseOur proven model shows that Xcel Energy is likely to beat estimates because it has the right combination of two key ingredients. A stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP (which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate) and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates, and Xcel Energy has the right mix.Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP is pegged at +1.11%.You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Xcel Energy Inc. Quote Zacks Rank: Xcel Energy carries a Zacks Rank #2. The combination of Xcel Energy’s favorable Zacks Rank and a positive ESP makes us reasonably confident of a positive surprise this season.Conversely, we caution against Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.Factors at PlayFor the first quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Xcel Energy’s revenues is pegged at $2,932 million, indicating a sequential increase of 4.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is 51 cents, reflecting sequential growth of 21.4%.Xcel Energy is expected to continue benefiting from ongoing improvement in the economic condition in its service territories. The upward revision in both electric and natural gas customers is expected to have a positive impact on demand.Continuous improvement in productivity through technology has lowered Xcel Energy’s O&M expenses. We expect the company’s initiative to keep O&M expenses flat, boosting margins in the first and coming quarters.Other Stocks to ConsiderIn addition to Xcel Energy, here are a few more players from the industry that have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.CenterPoint Energy Inc. CNP is expected to release first-quarter results on May 4, 2018. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.59% and a Zacks Rank #1.Vistra Energy Corp. VST is anticipated to release first-quarter results on May 4, 2018. It has an Earnings ESP of +57.41% and carries a Zacks Rank #2.CMS Energy Corporation CMS is expected to release first-quarter results on Apr 26, 2018. It has an Earnings ESP of +2.08% and a Zacks Rank #2.Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest StrategiesIt's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%.And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.See Them 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 CMS Energy Corporation (CMS): Free Stock Analysis Report CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP): Free Stock Analysis Report Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL): Free Stock Analysis Report Vistra Energy Corp. (VST): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research