Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) Q3 Earnings: What's In Store?

We expect Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE:CPK) to beat expectations when it reports third-quarter 2017 results before the opening bell on Nov 9. Last quarter, the company posted a negative surprise of 32.73%.

Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model shows that Chesapeake Utilities 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 and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates and Chesapeake Utilities has the right mix.

Zacks ESP: The company has Earnings ESP of +1.45%.You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Chesapeake Utilities carries a Zacks Rank #3. The combination of the company’s favorable Zacks Rank and 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.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Price and EPS Surprise

Factors to Consider

Chesapeake Utilities, through its subsidiaries completed two acquisitions in the reported quarter. The acquired assets will expand operation and increase earnings of the company. Further, the company expects strong growth in margin from its current and planned projects over the remainder of 2017.

Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is currently pegged at $124 million,reflecting an increase of 14.8% year over year. Consequentially, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share is currently pegged at 35 cents, an increase of 20.7% year over year. We expect the company to benefit on the back of its ongoing and planned strategic investments.

Other Stocks to Consider

Additionally, investors can also consider these stocks from the Zacks Utility Sector that have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.

Spire Inc. (NYSE:SR) has an Earnings ESP of +5.59%. It carries Zacks Rank #2 and is expected to report third-quarter 2017 earnings on Nov 15. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

TELUS Corporation (NYSE:TU) has an Earnings ESP of +2.80%. It carries a Zacks Rank #2 and is expected to report third-quarter 2017 earnings on Nov 9.

WGL Holdings Inc (NYSE:WGL) has an Earnings ESP of +9.33%. It carries a Zacks Rank #3 and is expected to report third-quarter 2017 earnings on Nov 15.

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