We expect Rockwell Automation Inc. ROK to beat expectations when it reports second-quarter fiscal 2016 results on Apr 27.In the last reported quarter, the company posted a positive earnings surprise of 11.19%. Notably, Rockwell Automation has delivered a positive earnings surprise of 3.65% on an average over the last four quarters. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.Why a Likely Positive Surprise?Our proven model shows that Rockwell Automation is likely to beat earnings because it has the right combination of two key ingredients.Zacks ESP: Rockwell Automation’s Earnings ESP stands at +3.03%. This is because the company’s Most Accurate estimate is $1.36, whereas the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $1.32. A favorable ESP serves as a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive surprise.Zacks Rank: Rockwell Automation currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 or 3 (Hold) have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings. Conversely, Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement. The combination of Rockwell Automation’s Zacks Rank #2 and +3.03% ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.What is Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?Rockwell Automation will benefit from its continuous focus on new product introduction, including the next-generation high-performance integrated control and information architecture. The company is expanding the capacity of its Logix controller in the Gulf region in order to provide solutions to process customers which will drive near-term results.Despite the weakening oil and gas vertical, Rockwell Automation remains optimistic about the consumer, life sciences and auto verticals. These will continue to grow which bodes well for the future. Moreover, the company’s restructuring activities and additional repurchases will aid the bottom line.Stocks to ConsiderHere are some other companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:Emerson Electric Co. EMR has an Earnings ESP of +3.18% and a Zacks Rank #2.Eaton Corporation plc ETN has an Earnings ESP of +1.18% and a Zacks Rank #3.Ingersoll-Rand Plc IR has an Earnings ESP of +2.70% and a Zacks Rank #3.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 ROCKWELL AUTOMT (ROK): Free Stock Analysis Report EMERSON ELEC CO (EMR): Free Stock Analysis Report EATON CORP PLC (ETN): Free Stock Analysis Report INGERSOLL RAND (IR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research