Industrial goods manufacturer Ingersoll-Rand Plc IR is scheduled to report first-quarter 2016 results before the opening bell on Apr 26. In the last reported quarter, earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. Ingersoll has a fairly decent earnings surprise history. In the trailing four quarters, the company has managed to beat earnings estimates thrice with an average positive earnings surprise of 5.43%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement! Key Factors in the Past QuarterIngersoll has a solid foundation of global brands and leading market share in all major product lines. The geographic and industry diversity coupled with a large installed product base provides ample growth opportunities within service, spare parts and replacement revenue streams. Additionally, the company’s complementary portfolio of products and services is likely to assist in strengthening its market position and achieving high productivity. Also, the company’s strategic acquisitions would serve as growth drivers, supplementing its organic growth. Furthermore, Ingersoll is likely to achieve steady improvements in operating profitability with a strong commitment to consistently invest in funding significant new product developments, investing in IT platform and building its channel services footprint and product management capabilities. During the quarter, Ingersoll launched its latest impact tool for busting open bolts, the Power Socket. The versatile Power Socket is the ideal tool for busting loose the most stubborn and rusted fasteners, bolts and lug nuts without the requirement of additional larger tools. The rise in demand for such innovative product services is likely to augment its overall revenues. In the to-be reported quarter, adjusted earnings from continuing operations are expected to be in the range of 33 cents to 38 cents per share, with reported earnings in the range of 28 cents to 33 cents.Earnings Whispers Our proven model shows that Ingersoll is likely to beat earnings this quarter as it possesses the key components. 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. Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is currently pegged at +2.70%.Zacks Rank: Ingersoll’s Zacks Rank #3 when combined with a +2.70% ESP makes us confident of a positive earnings surprise. On the other hand, the Sell-rated stocks (#4 and #5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Other 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:First Bancorp FBP has an Earnings ESP of +12.50% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to report first-quarter results on Apr 25. Crane Co. CR has an Earnings ESP of +1.16% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to report first-quarter results on Apr 25. Canadian National Railway Company CNI carries an Earnings ESP of +1.47% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is expected to report first-quarter results on Apr 25. 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 CDN NATL RY CO (CNI): Free Stock Analysis Report FIRST BNCRP P R (FBP): Free Stock Analysis Report CRANE CO (CR): Free Stock Analysis Report INGERSOLL RAND (IR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research