Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. SPR is set to release first-quarter 2016 results before the opening bell on Apr 29, 2016. In the preceding quarter, Spirit AeroSystems delivered a positive earnings surprise of 1.06%. Let’s see how things are shaping up prior to this announcement.Why a Likely Positive Surprise?Our proven model shows that Spirit AeroSystems is likely to beat earnings estimates this quarter. 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. Spirit AeroSystems has the right combination of the two key components.Zacks ESP: Spirit AeroSystems currently has an Earnings ESP of +6.60%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate stands at $1.13, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $1.06.Zacks Rank: Spirit AeroSystems carries a Zacks Rank #2. Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings estimates. Conversely, the Sell-rated stocks (Rank #4 and 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement.Spirit AeroSystems’ Zacks Rank #2 and ESP of +6.60% make us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.What's Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?The growing demand for commercial airplanes globally is expected to boost demand for large aerostructures and components supplied by Spirit AeroSystems. The company’s long-term contracts with The Boeing Company BA and Airbus Group SE are expected to keep its revenue stream steady. The company has worked on all Boeing programs, including building about 70% of the 737s.Moreover, Spirit AeroSystems’ involvement in the defense market will help its performance. In Nov 2015, the company began first production of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) P-8A aircraft. This will open up new opportunities for the company in the defense market.The company expects 2016 earnings to be in the range of $4.15-$4.35 per share on sales between $6.6 billion and $6.7 billion.Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some companies tied to the Aerospace/Defense industry worth considering on the basis of our model, which shows that they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. HII has an earnings ESP of +0.47% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company is slated to report first-quarter 2016 results on May 5, 2016.Raytheon Co. RTN has an earnings ESP of +0.74% and carries a Zacks Rank #3. The company is slated to report first-quarter 2016 results on Apr 28, 2016.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 BOEING CO (BA): Free Stock Analysis Report SPIRIT AEROSYS (SPR): Free Stock Analysis Report RAYTHEON CO (RTN): Free Stock Analysis Report HUNTINGTON INGL (HII): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research