Danaos Corporation DAC is scheduled to release third-quarter 2021 results on Nov 8, after market close.The shipping company has an impressive surprise record as its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters (missing the mark in the remaining one), the average beat being 1.2%.Danaos Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Danaos Corporation price-eps-surprise | Danaos Corporation QuoteThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings was stable at $3.26 over the past 60 days.Against this backdrop, let’s examine the factors that are likely to have impacted the company’s September-quarter performance.We expect Danaos’ third-quarter bottom-line performance to have been hurt by higher vessel operating expenses, mainly due to the increase in the average number of vessels in its fleet. With oil price moving north, escalated fuel costs are also likely to have flared up total expenses.However, with the gradual resumption of economic activities, the world trade gathered pace, which should aid the third-quarter results of shipping stocks like Danaos. This is because the shipping industry is responsible for transporting a high proportion of goods involved in world trade.Bullishness surrounding the containership market is a huge positive for Danaos and is likely to have boosted its top line in the soon-to-be-reported quarter. The containership market is being aided by increased manufacturing activities in Asia besides other factors.Earnings WhispersOur proven model does not predict an earnings beat for Danaos this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of a positive surprise. However, that is not the case here. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Earnings ESP: Danaos has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as the Most Accurate Estimate is in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.26. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: Danaos carries a Zacks Rank #3, currently.Highlights of Q2 EarningsDanaos’ second-quarter earnings (excluding $14.76 from non-recurring items) of $3.34 per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8 cents. Total revenues of $146.4 million increased 25.4% year over year and also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $142 million.Stocks to ConsiderInvestors interested in the broader Transportation sector may consider stocks like Copa Holdings CPA, Azul AZUL and Genko Shipping & Trading GNK, which possess the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.Copa Holdings has an Earnings ESP of +25.74% and is Zacks #3 Ranked, presently. The company will release third-quarter 2021 results on Nov 17.Azul has an Earnings ESP of +3.70% and is Zacks #3 Ranked, presently. The company will release third-quarter 2021 results on Nov 11.Genko Shipping & Trading has an Earnings ESP of +3.59% and is Zacks #2 Ranked, presently. The company will release third-quarter 2021 results on Nov 3. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 7 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How to Profit from Trillions on Spending for Infrastructure >>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 Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (GNK): Free Stock Analysis Report Copa Holdings, S.A. (CPA): Free Stock Analysis Report Danaos Corporation (DAC): Free Stock Analysis Report AZUL (AZUL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research