Integrated energy company EQT Corporation EQT is expected to report first-quarter 2016 earnings on Apr 28.In the last quarter, the company reported adjusted loss of $0.06 per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of loss of $0.20. The company had reported earnings of $0.97 per share in the prior-year period.Let’s see how things are shaping up prior to the announcement.Earnings WhispersOur proven model shows that EQT is likely to beat earnings because it has the right combination of two key ingredients. Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is +266.67%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate stands at 5 cents, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at a loss of 3 cents. This is very meaningful and a leading indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise.Zacks Rank: EQT carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Note that stocks with Zacks Ranks #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Hold) or 3 have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings. Conversely, the Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 and 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement. The combination of EQT’s favorable Zacks Rank and a positive ESP makes us confident about an earnings beat.Factors Likely to Influence this QuarterEQT is a low-cost producer with a strategic midstream presence. The company's superior cost structure and above-average growth may ease concerns about struggling natural gas prices.EQT has reduced its exploration and production capital spending to $1 billion as against $1.8 billion spent in 2015, owing to lower well costs. Despite this, the company has maintained its initial production guidance, which reflects its efficiency. The company’s prudent strategic moves and operational efficiency should further support growth.Sustained production growth depends on continued development of resources. However, drilling wells in the deeper regions of the shale plays are not only technically challenging but also capital intensive. This also may put pressure on the driller’s financials.Stocks to ConsiderHere are some companies from the same space which, according to our model, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:Chesapeake Energy CHK has an Earnings ESP of +9.09% and a Zacks Rank #2.Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. DO has an Earnings ESP of +11.11% and a Zacks Rank #3.Ensco plc ESV has an Earnings ESP of +6.25 % 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 EQT CORP (EQT): Free Stock Analysis Report ENSCO PLC (ESV): Free Stock Analysis Report DIAMOND OFFSHOR (DO): Free Stock Analysis Report CHESAPEAKE ENGY (CHK): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research