Xcel Energy Inc. XEL is scheduled to release first-quarter 2021 earnings on Apr 29, before market open. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4.47%, on average.Let’s discuss the factors that are likely to get reflected in the upcoming quarterly results.Factors at PlayWith economic activities gradually becoming normal amid nationwide vaccine rollout, Xcel Energy’s first-quarter results are expected to reflect elevated residential and commercial and Industrial (C&I) group sales and new rates, both of which are likely to have acted as tailwinds. Moreover, its focus on expense control is expected to have lowered its operating expenses and boosted earnings in the first quarter.Q1 ProjectionsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2021 sales is pegged at $3.09 billion, indicating 9.85% growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. The consensus estimate for first-quarter earnings per share stands at 61 cents, implying an 8.93% rise from the year-earlier quarter’s reported number.What Our Quantitative Model PredictsOur proven model predicts an earnings beat for Xcel Energy this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat, which is the case here. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Xcel Energy Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Xcel Energy Inc. price-eps-surprise | Xcel Energy Inc. Quote Earnings ESP: Xcel Energy has an Earnings ESP of +0.41%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: Currently, Xcel Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3. Stocks to ConsiderInvestors can consider the following players from the same industry that have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.DTE Energy Company DTE is set to release first-quarter 2021 results on Apr 27. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.68% and is Zacks #3 Ranked, presently.CenterPoint Energy, Inc. CNP is set to release first-quarter 2021 results on May 6. It has an Earnings ESP of +4.52% and a Zacks Rank of 3, presently.Duke Energy Corporation DUK is set to release first-quarter 2021 results on May 10. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.16% and is currently a #3 Ranked player.Zacks' Top Picks to Cash in on Artificial IntelligenceIn 2021, this world-changing technology is projected to generate $327.5 billion in revenue. Now Shark Tank star and billionaire investor Mark Cuban says AI will create "the world's first trillionaires." Zacks' urgent special report reveals 3 AI picks investors need to know about today.See 3 Artificial Intelligence Stocks With Extreme Upside Potential>>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 CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP): Free Stock Analysis Report Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL): Free Stock Analysis Report DTE Energy Company (DTE): Free Stock Analysis Report Duke Energy Corporation (DUK): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research