C.R. Bard Inc. BCR is set to report first-quarter 2016 earnings results on Apr 27. Last quarter, Bard reported earnings of $2.43 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of cents. Notably, C.R. Bard’s earnings have topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, by an average of 2.2%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this quarter.Factors at PlayWe believe that the growing adoption of Lutonix drug coated-balloon (DCB) will continue to be the key growth catalyst for Bard. Lutonix DCB, an angioplasty balloon coated with a therapeutic dose of the drug paclitaxel, is used to treat patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD).Improving reimbursement rates also bode well for the product. Moreover, the company's continued investments in the emerging markets has strengthened its position internationally and is increasingly delivering accretive returns.However, the company continues to witness significant pricing pressure, which is a headwind. Also, unfavorable foreign currency will continue to hurt top- and bottom-line growth.Earnings WhispersOur proven model does not conclusively show that Bard is likely to beat earnings this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 for this to happen. That is not the case here as you will see below.Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Bard is -1.84%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate stands at $2.14, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $2.18.Zacks Rank: Bard has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) which increases the predictive power of ESP; but when combined with a -1.84% ESP, it makes surprise prediction difficult.We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 and 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revision momentum.Stocks to ConsiderHere are some companies you may consider as our model shows they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter: PAREXEL International Corporation PRXL with earnings ESP of +2.25% and a Zacks Rank #1.Align Technology Inc. ALGN with earnings ESP of +12.82% and a Zacks Rank #1.Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX with earnings ESP of +2.49% and a Zacks Rank #2.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 >>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 BARD C R INC (BCR): Free Stock Analysis Report ALIGN TECH INC (ALGN): Free Stock Analysis Report BECTON DICKINSO (BDX): Free Stock Analysis Report PAREXEL INTL CP (PRXL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.