We expect Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX, popularly known as BD, to beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate when it reports second-quarter fiscal 2016 results on May 5.Why a Likely Positive Surprise?Our proven model shows that BD is likely to beat earnings because it has the right combination of two key ingredients.Zacks ESP: BD’s Earnings ESP stands at +1.99%. This is because the company’s Most Accurate estimate stands at $2.05, whereas the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $2.01. A favorable Zacks ESP serves as a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive surprise. Zacks Rank: BD 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 estimates. Conversely, Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement.The combination of BD’s Zacks Rank #2 and +1.99% ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.What's Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?We note that BD has posted a positive earnings surprise of 4.07% on an average over the last four quarters. BD’s innovative product pipeline is a key catalyst in our view. A plethora of FDA approvals in the last quarter has added products like Totalys MultiProcessor and Totalys SlidePrep instruments, FACSPresto system and FACSPresto CD4/Hb Cartridge and Vacutainer UltraTouch Push Button Blood Collection Set to the company’s ever-expanding product portfolio.Meanwhile, BD’s expansion into overseas markets, particularly the emerging markets, is a major positive. Moreover, the CareFusion merger has opened up significant growth opportunities for the company. Further, the combined manufacturing footprint and operations along with lower overhead expenses should result in significant cost savings.However, unfavorable foreign exchange continues to hurt BD’s results and is expected to remain a potent headwind in fiscal 2016 as well. Also, lower demand for health care products as well as higher hospital and lab-testing expenditures are areas of concern.Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some other companies you may consider as our model shows they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:PRA Health Sciences PRAH with earnings ESP of +3.51% and a Zacks Rank #1.Adaptimmune Therapeutics ADAP with earnings ESP of +9.09% and a Zacks Rank #2.Cardica CRDC with earnings ESP of +4.26% 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 CARDICA INC (CRDC): Free Stock Analysis Report BECTON DICKINSO (BDX): Free Stock Analysis Report PRA HEALTH SCI (PRAH): Free Stock Analysis Report ADAPTIMMUNE THR (ADAP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research