WEC Energy Group WEC reported second-quarter 2017 adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents by 6.8% and the year-ago figure of 57 cents by 10.5%.RevenuesWEC Energy’s total revenue amounted to $1,631.5 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,592 million by 2.5%. Reported revenues also surpassed the year-ago figure of $1,602 million by 1.8%.WEC Energy Group, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise WEC Energy Group, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | WEC Energy Group, Inc. Quote Highlights of the ReleaseResidential consumption of electricity in the first half of 2017 was down 1.1% year over year. Electricity utilized by small commercial and industrial customers also dropped 1% year over year. Electricity used by large commercial and industrial customers, excluding the iron ore mines in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, declined 0.5%.Total operating expenses in the quarter under review was $1,269.3 million compared with $1,269.9 million.Operating income in the reported quarter was $ 362.2 million, up 9.1% from $332.1 million a year ago.The company’s interest expenses in the second quarter increased 1.8% year over year to $101.9 million.WEC Energy's utilities expanded the customer base in the reported quarter. At the end of second-quarter 2017, the company had an additional 9,000 electric and 13,000 natural gas customers compared with the year-ago quarter.Financial PositionAs of Jun 30, 2017, WEC Energy had cash and cash equivalents of $36.5 million compared with $37.5 million as of Dec 31, 2016.As of Jun 30, 2017, WEC Energy’s long-term debts of $8.8 billion, decreased almost 3.9% from the 2016-end level.In the first half of 2016, cash flow from operating activities was $1,268.0 million, marginally higher than $1,224.1 million in the year-ago period.WEC Energy’s capital expenditure in the first half of 2016 was $790.0 million, 26.1% higher than the comparable year-ago period.GuidanceThe company reaffirmed its 2017 earnings guidance in the range of $3.06 to $3.12, with the expectation of closing the year in the upper end of the range.Zacks RankWEC Energy currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Upcoming ReleasesHere are a few companies in the utility sector that have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.Allete, Inc. ALE has an Earnings ESP of +5.36% and holds a Zacks Rank #2. It is slated to report second-quarter 2017 results on Aug 2.Pattern Energy Group Inc. PEGI has an Earnings ESP of +23.08% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. It is slated to report second-quarter 2017 results on Aug 4.The AES Corporation AES has an Earnings ESP of +20.00% and holds a Zacks Rank #2. It is slated to report second-quarter 2017 results on Aug 8.The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of AllLast year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce ""the world's first trillionaires,"" but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>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 Allete, Inc. (ALE): Free Stock Analysis Report Pattern Energy Group Inc. (PEGI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research