NRG Energy, Inc. NRG is scheduled to release third-quarter 2020 results on Nov 5, before the market opens. The company witnessed a negative earnings surprise of 16.99% in the last reported quarter.Let’s discuss the factors that are likely to get reflected in the upcoming quarterly results.Factors to ConsiderStrong demand from the residential customers and a gradual improvement in demand from the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) group with the relaxation of restrictions are likely to drive third-quarter results. The company repurchased shares worth $228 million through Aug 6, 2020. Lower outstanding shares are expected to have positively impacted earnings in the third quarter.Q3 ExpectationsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $1.01, indicating a 46.28% decrease from the year-ago period’s reported figure.NRG Energy, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise NRG Energy, Inc. price-eps-surprise | NRG Energy, Inc. QuoteWhat Our Quantitative Model SuggestsOur proven model doesn’t conclusively predict an earnings beat for NRG Energy 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. But 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: NRG Energy has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: Currently, NRG Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3.Stocks to ConsiderHere are some players from the Utilities sector that have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings in the to-be-reported quarter.Pinnacle West Capital PNW is expected to release third-quarter numbers on Oct 30. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.98% and a Zacks Rank of 3, currently.NiSource Inc. NI is set to release third-quarter 2020 numbers on Nov 2. It has an Earnings ESP of +150.00% and is currently Zacks #3 Ranked.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.Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.Ignited by referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $17.7 billion in 2019 to a staggering $73.6 billion by 2027. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.See the pot stocks we're targeting >>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 NiSource, Inc (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG): Free Stock Analysis Report SJW Group (SJW): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research