Xcel Energy Inc. XEL is scheduled to release third-quarter 2021 earnings on Oct 28, before market open. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4.74%, on average.Let’s discuss the factors that are likely to get reflected in the upcoming quarterly results.Factors at PlayXcel Energy’s quarterly results are likely to benefit from strong residential demand and improving demand from the industrial and commercial space.It is expected to have gained from its efforts to lower operating and maintenance costs.ProjectionsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2021 sales is pegged at $3.29 billion, indicating 3.34% growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. The consensus estimate for third-quarter earnings per share stands at $1.19, implying a 4.39% rise from the year-earlier quarter’s reported number.What Our Quantitative Model PredictsOur proven model doesn’t conclusively predict an earnings beat for Xcel 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, which is not the case here. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Xcel Energy Inc. price-eps-surprise | Xcel Energy Inc. QuoteEarnings ESP: Xcel 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, Xcel Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3.Stocks to ConsiderInvestors can consider the following players from the same industry that have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.Avangrid, Inc. AGR is set to release third-quarter 2021 results on Oct 26. It has an Earnings ESP of +2.82% and a Zacks Rank of 3, currently.Edison International EIX is set to release third-quarter 2021 results on Nov 2. It has an Earnings ESP of +1.46% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present.Pinnacle West Capital Corporation PNW is set to release third-quarter 2021 results on Nov 5. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.30% and a Zacks Rank of 3, currently. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 7 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How to Profit from Trillions on Spending for Infrastructure >>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 Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL): Free Stock Analysis Report Edison International (EIX): Free Stock Analysis Report Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW): Free Stock Analysis Report Avangrid, Inc. (AGR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research