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.

Zacks highlights two energy stocks with positive Earnings Surprise Prediction (ESP) metrics that could beat quarterly earnings expectations. Sempra (SRE) has a +1.86% ESP ahead of its November 4, 2026 earnings report, while Exxon Mobil (XOM) shows a +9.97% ESP before reporting on October 30, 2026. Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

Sempra's board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6575 per share on common stock, payable July 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 25, 2026.

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), a subsidiary of Sempra, announced a Special Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for July 13, 2026, to seek approval for retiring all outstanding preferred stock shares at $31.00 per share in cash—representing a 20% premium over recent market prices and par value. The company aims to simplify its capital structure and modernize its business while delivering immediate value to shareholders.

Southern California Gas Company released a report showing that natural gas infrastructure has helped keep residential energy costs affordable for California households. The report highlights that SoCalGas's inflation-adjusted residential rates declined approximately 25% between 2000 and 2023. During Winter Storm Fern in January 2026, underground storage supplied nearly 60% of system demand, potentially avoiding $120 million in energy costs. The company emphasizes that natural gas infrastructure provides system flexibility and supports renewable energy integration.

Pomerantz LLP is investigating Sempra for potential securities fraud following the company's disappointing February 2025 earnings report. Sempra missed revenue estimates by $970 million and cut 2025 earnings guidance by $0.50 per share, citing higher expenses and lower consumption due to mild weather. The stock fell 18.97% on the news.

Pomerantz LLP is investigating Sempra for potential securities fraud following the company's disappointing February 2025 earnings report. Sempra missed revenue estimates by $970 million and cut 2025 earnings guidance by $0.50 per share, citing higher expenses and lower consumption due to mild weather. The stock fell 18.97% on the news.

Pomerantz LLP is investigating securities fraud claims against Weis Markets following the company's disclosure on February 26, 2026, that it will restate financial statements for fiscal years 2022-2024 and interim 2025 statements due to overstated inventory. The announcement triggered a 7.16% stock price decline. The law firm is also investigating similar claims against GoDaddy Inc. and Sempra.

Southern California Gas Company's underground natural gas storage facilities helped customers avoid over $120 million in potential energy costs during January's Winter Storm Fern by supplying previously stored gas purchased at $3 per decatherm instead of market prices reaching $30 per decatherm. The storage infrastructure proved critical during the storm, supplying nearly 60% of system demand at peak, with Aliso Canyon alone providing 30% of gas delivered to the SoCalGas and SDG&E system.

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) has declared regular quarterly dividends for its preferred stock series at $0.375 per share, payable on July 15, 2026, to shareholders of record on June 10, 2026. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy.

Southern California Gas Company will showcase safety information, energy assistance programs, and reliability resources at the World Ag Expo in the San Joaquin Valley. The company will also highlight onsite microgrid and combined heat and power solutions developed in collaboration with BSD Builders, Inc., which can operate on natural gas, renewable natural gas, or hydrogen to support California's energy resilience goals.

Southern California Gas Co., San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southwest Gas Corporation petitioned the California Public Utilities Commission to modify a 2022 decision by removing the requirement for 5% hydrogen blending demonstration projects before recommending a systemwide standard. The utilities argue that recent global research and real-world operational data demonstrate that low-level hydrogen blends (up to 5%) can be safely integrated into existing natural gas systems without modifying customer appliances, potentially saving ratepayers money and time while advancing California's decarbonization goals.