We expect Kansas City Southern KSU to beat expectations when it reports first-quarter 2016 results, before the market opens on Apr 19.Why a Likely Positive Surprise?Our proven model shows that Kansas City Southern 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, stands at +1.04%. This serves as a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise.Zacks Rank: Kansas City Southern currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1, #2 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 Kansas City Southern’s Zacks Rank #3 and +1.04% ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.What is Driving the Better-Than-Expected Earnings?Kansas City Southern, being the only railroad with service networks across both sides of the U.S. and Mexico border, dominates the primary rail networks between these countries. In addition, cheap labor and lower transportation costs in the Mexican market compared with the U.S. bode well.Moreover, strong growth in the U.S. auto market coupled with Ford’s decision to shift its small-car production unit from the U.S. to Mexico will bolster the carrier’s top line going forward.Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some other companies you may want to consider as our model shows these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.Canadian National Railway Company CNI, with an Earnings ESP of +1.47% and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).Canadian Pacific Railway Limited CP, with an Earnings ESP of +0.55% and a Zacks Rank #1.Spirit Airlines, Inc. SAVE, with an Earnings ESP of +1.12% 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 KANSAS CITY SOU (KSU): Free Stock Analysis Report CDN NATL RY CO (CNI): Free Stock Analysis Report CDN PAC RLWY (CP): Free Stock Analysis Report SPIRIT AIRLINES (SAVE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research