The TJX Companies, Inc. TJX is slated to report third-quarter fiscal 2018 results on Nov 14, before the opening bell.We note that this leading off-price retailer’s earnings have outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 11 straight quarters, with a trailing four-quarter average beat of 3.2%.Let’s now look into some factors that are likely to impact third-quarter results.What to Expect?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter has been stable in the past 30 days at $1.00. Further, estimated earnings depict a year-on-year growth of 9.9%. Moreover, analysts polled by Zacks expect revenues of $8,885 million for the said quarter, reflecting an improvement of 7.2% from the prior-year period.Factors Influencing the QuarterHigher store traffic has been benefiting TJX Companies’ comps for the last 33 quarters. In order to maintain sales momentum in stores, the company has been adhering to aggressive store openings and brand-enhancing initiatives. Evidently, TJX Companies plans to open approximately 260 stores during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2018. Further, the company’s HomeSense store concept (launched during the second quarter) is expected to aid comps this season.In order to support store traffic growth, TJX Companies has been undertaking strategic marketing and advertising campaigns. Its gift-giving initiatives and loyalty card program have aided improved customer engagement. TJX Companies has also been ramping up e-commerce business and plans to add more categories to the online shopping site.The company is aiming to invest categorically to differentiate e-commerce business from its brick-and-mortar stores. Such efforts are likely to augment TJX Companies’ business and thereby benefit top-line performance in the to-be-reported quarter.TJX Companies, Inc. (The) Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise TJX Companies, Inc. (The) Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | TJX Companies, Inc. (The) QuoteHowever, the company has been struggling with rising costs and expects pre-tax margins to be under pressure during the third quarter, thanks to an increase in employee payroll. Further, the company expects incremental investments, additional supply chain costs and pension costs to dent performance. So let’s see if TJX Companies’ growth endeavors can counter these hurdles in the third quarter.What Does the Zacks Model Unveil? Our proven model does not conclusively show that TJX Companies is likely to beat earnings estimates this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen.Although TJX Companies carries a Zacks Rank #2 its Earnings ESP of -1.20% makes surprise prediction difficult.Stocks with Favorable CombinationsHere are some companies which, according to our model, have the right combination of elements to deliver earnings beat.Zumiez Inc. ZUMZ has an Earnings ESP of +0.69% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Ross Stores Inc. ROST has an Earnings ESP of +0.27% and a Zacks Rank #2.Home Depot Inc. HD has an Earnings ESP of +0.76% and a Zacks Rank #2.Zacks' Hidden TradesWhile we share many recommendations and ideas with the public, certain moves are hidden from everyone but selected members of our portfolio services. Would you like to peek behind the curtain today and view them?Starting now, for the next month, I invite you to follow all Zacks' private buys and sells in real time from value to momentum...from stocks under $10 to ETF to option movers...from insider trades to companies that are about to report positive earnings surprises (we've called them with 80%+ accuracy). You can even look inside portfolios so exclusive that they are normally closed to new investors.Click here for Zacks' secret trade>>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 Home Depot, Inc. (The) (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ): Free Stock Analysis Report Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST): Free Stock Analysis Report TJX Companies, Inc. (The) (TJX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research