The article discusses using the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool to identify stocks poised to beat earnings estimates. Two energy stocks highlighted are SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) with a +60% ESP ahead of November 4 earnings, and Oneok Inc. (OKE) with a +1.74% ESP before October 27 earnings. Both stocks hold a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and positive ESPs, suggesting potential for earnings beats.

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 energy stocks are featured as examples: Oneok Inc. and Sempra, both with positive ESP figures suggesting potential earnings beats.

Oneok Inc. (OKE), a natural gas pipeline company, demonstrates a solid history of beating earnings estimates with an average surprise of 6.62% over the past two quarters. The company's positive Earnings ESP of +1.74% combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) suggests another earnings beat is likely in its upcoming October 27, 2026 report.

Chipotle shares dropped 3.8% after Starbucks ruled out acquiring the burrito chain, while Starbucks rose 1.7%. ONEOK gained 2.5% as energy led market drivers. Intel fell 3.2% amid AI spending and valuation concerns, and IonQ slid 9.1% over acquisition concerns.

Oneok Inc. (OKE) rose 2.54% to $90.29 in the latest session, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.47% decline. However, the stock has declined 8.11% over the past month. The company is expected to report earnings on October 27, 2026, with projected EPS of $1.46 (down 2.01% YoY) and revenue of $11.77 billion (up 36.34% YoY). OKE holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 15.48, trading at a premium to its industry average.

National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) completed its acquisition of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion, adding approximately 335,000 customers and expanding its total customer base to 1.1 million. The deal is expected to double NFG's gas utility rate base to $3.2 billion and provide immediate accretion to regulated earnings per share, with consolidated accretion expected after fiscal 2028.

ONEOK Inc. (OKE), a Tulsa-based energy company engaged in natural gas and NGL businesses, holds a #3 (Hold) Zacks Rank with a VGM Score of B. The company features attractive valuation metrics with a forward P/E ratio of 14.97 and a Value Style Score of B. Five analysts revised earnings estimates upward in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing to $5.69 per share for fiscal 2026, and the company boasts an average earnings surprise of +5%.

Oneok Inc. (OKE) declined 1.78% while broader markets gained, underperforming the S&P 500's 1.49% rise. The natural gas company is expected to report lower EPS of $1.45 (down 2.68% YoY) but higher revenue of $11.77 billion (up 36.34% YoY). OKE holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 16.39, trading at a premium to its industry average.

ONEOK, Inc. announced the pricing terms for OpCo's cash tender offers to purchase up to $2 billion in aggregate principal amount of debt securities across 20 series of notes. The Early Tender Deadline has passed with the Aggregate Maximum Tender Amount fully subscribed, and OpCo expects to accept and pay for all $2 billion of validly tendered notes on September 17, 2026. The tender offers are scheduled to expire on September 29, 2026, though no additional tenders are expected to be accepted given the maximum amount has been reached.

Oneok Inc. (OKE) closed at $97.51, up 2.18%, outperforming the S&P 500. The natural gas company is expected to report EPS of $1.49 with revenue projected at $11.77 billion, up 36.34% year-over-year. However, consensus EPS estimates have declined 0.47% in the past month, and the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating with a Forward P/E of 16.59, trading at a premium to its industry average.

ONEOK Inc. (OKE) reported Q2 2026 EPS of $1.53, beating consensus estimates by 10.07%, with revenues of $12.05 billion exceeding expectations by 13.03%. The company benefited from record natural gas liquids throughput and raised its 2026 guidance. Shares have gained 9.2% over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500, though the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating with expectations for in-line returns.

ONEOK is acquiring Brazos Midstream's Permian Midland assets for $4.4 billion, funded through a $9 billion minority equity investment from Apollo. The deal will double ONEOK's processing capacity in the Midland Basin, enable $5 billion in debt repayment, and position the company to accelerate dividend growth while maintaining its 30+ year dividend stability record.