Dominion Energy (D) closed at $63.67, up 1.28%, outperforming the S&P 500's 1.09% decline. The stock has lost 2.22% over the past month. Analysts expect Q3 EPS of $1.17 (up 10.38% YoY) and revenue of $4.78 billion (up 5.58% YoY), with full-year estimates of $3.59 EPS and $18.36 billion revenue. The company holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 17.51, slightly above the industry average of 17.18.

The article explains how to use the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool to identify stocks likely to beat earnings estimates. It highlights that combining positive ESP with a Zacks Rank #3 or stronger resulted in positive earnings surprises 70% of the time with ~28% average annual returns. Two utilities stocks are featured as examples: Dominion Energy with a +1.03% ESP and Southern Co. with a +1.43% ESP, both holding #3 (Hold) ratings and positioned for potential earnings beats.

Dominion Energy is positioned to potentially beat earnings estimates in its upcoming October 30, 2026 report. The company has a track record of beating estimates in the last two quarters with an average surprise of 7.48%. With a positive Earnings ESP of +1.03% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the combination suggests a ~70% probability of beating consensus estimates.

The Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP), launched in December 2024, offers broad exposure to the Energy - Broad sector with a 0.5% expense ratio and $450.69 million in assets. The fund has gained 10.03% year-to-date and 7.52% over the past year, with heavy allocation to Utilities (70.7%). However, it carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold) and has more concentrated exposure than peers with 47 holdings.

Dominion Energy (D) closed at $62.45, up 1.31%, outperforming the S&P 500's slight decline. The company is expected to report earnings on October 30, 2026, with projected EPS of $1.21 (up 14.15% YoY) and quarterly revenue of $4.93 billion (up 8.97% YoY). The stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 17.18, in line with its industry average, though its PEG ratio of 2.86 is slightly elevated compared to the industry average of 2.5.

Bloom Energy, a high-growth fuel cell company serving AI data centers, shows strong 37% revenue growth but remains unprofitable with high valuation multiples. NextEra Energy, a mature utility giant, offers lower valuation, steady profitability, and a 3.2% dividend yield. The choice depends on investor risk tolerance: Bloom Energy suits aggressive growth investors, while NextEra appeals to value and income-focused investors.

The nuclear power sector is experiencing a renaissance driven by AI and electric vehicle demand. While high-risk upstarts like Oklo and NuScale offer cutting-edge technology, they are unprofitable with minimal revenue. Safer alternatives include dividend stocks: Constellation Energy (high growth, low yield), NextEra Energy (balanced growth and income), and Brookfield Renewable (high yield with diversified clean energy assets).

Xcel Energy agreed to sell its Michigan natural gas and electric operations, expected to close in 2027. The company plans a $60 billion investment through 2030 targeting 11% annual rate base growth and 6-8% EPS growth, supported by rising data center demand driving nearly 5% annual retail electricity sales growth.

Dominion Energy (D) closed at $62.00, up 1.61%, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.58% gain. The stock had previously lagged 7.32% before today's session. Analysts expect Q3 EPS of $1.21 (up 14.15% YoY) and full-year earnings of $3.59 per share (up 4.97% YoY). The company holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 17.01, trading at a premium to its industry average of 16.68.

Dominion Energy is capitalizing on surging data center demand in Virginia, with contracted capacity reaching 53.8 GW as of July 2026, up 11% from December 2025. The company plans to invest $65 billion through 2030 to expand infrastructure. Other utilities like FirstEnergy and PPL Corporation are also benefiting from rising data center power demand, which is driving electricity sales growth and rate-base expansion.

U.S. households pay a median of $363 monthly ($4,356 annually) in utility bills, rising faster than inflation. An investor would need approximately 2,058 shares of NextEra Energy (worth ~$156,500) to generate enough dividend income to cover these costs after taxes. While NextEra has a 32-year dividend growth track record averaging 10%, management has guided for slower 6% growth going forward, and the pending Dominion Energy merger creates uncertainty.

With recession fears mounting due to high inflation and Federal Reserve rate increases, investors should prepare for a potential bear market. The article recommends three steps: assess your emotional tolerance for losses, accumulate cash reserves for opportunities, and shift toward recession-resistant sectors like consumer staples and utilities.