WEC Energy Group WEC is slated to report second-quarter 2017 results before the market opens on Jul 26. In the first quarter, the company reported a positive earnings surprise of 5.66%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this earnings season.Factors to ConsiderThe company expects its earnings in the second quarter to be in the range of 56–60 cents per share, assuming normal weather. Nearly 99% of its earnings come from regulated operations, giving ample visibility of its earnings.WEC Energy is currently providing services to a higher number of customers than the last-year level, which is expected to have a positive impact on demand and earnings. The economic growth in its service territories and strategic acquisitions might help to boost the bottom line.Earnings WhispersOur proven model does not conclusively show that WEC Energy is likely to beat earnings this quarter as it does not possess the key components. A stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. However, that is not the case here as you will see below.Zacks ESP: The company’s Earnings ESP is 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 59 cents.You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.WEC Energy Group, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise WEC Energy Group, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | WEC Energy Group, Inc. QuoteZacks Rank: WEC Energy’s Zacks Rank #3, when combined with its Earnings ESP of 0.00%, makes a beat unlikely this quarter.Note that we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing a negative estimate revisions momentum.Stocks to ConsiderHere are some companies from the industry that you may want to consider instead, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.The AES Corporation AES is expected to release second-quarter 2017 results on Aug 8. The company has an Earnings ESP of +20.0% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Eversource Energy ES has an Earnings ESP of +1.47% and a Zacks Rank#2. The company is expected to release second-quarter 2017 results on Jul 27.Pattern Energy Group Inc. PEGI has an Earnings ESP of +23.08% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to release second-quarter 2017 results on Aug 4.Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.It's not the one you think.See This Ticker Free >>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 WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC): Free Stock Analysis Report The AES Corporation (AES): Free Stock Analysis Report Pattern Energy Group Inc. (PEGI): Free Stock Analysis Report Eversource Energy (ES): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.