We expect Ametek Inc. AME, one of the leading manufacturers of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, to beat expectations when it reports first quarter 2016 results on Apr 28.Last quarter, its earnings matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.Why a Likely Positive Surprise?Our proven model shows that Ametek 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. Ametek has the right combination of two key components. Zacks ESP: Ametek currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.75%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate stands at 58 cents, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 57 cents.Zacks Rank: Ametek currently carries a Zacks Rank #3, which when combined with an ESP of +1.75% make us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 and 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.What is Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?We believe that strong execution of its four core growth strategies of operational excellence, global market expansion, investments in product development and strategic acquisitions will continue to drive growth.This, in combination with a strong portfolio of businesses, will help the company to post better results in the to-be reported quarterOther Stocks to ConsiderHere are some companies you may want to consider as our model shows they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter: Agilent Technologies, Inc. A,with an Earnings ESP of +2.56% and a Zacks Rank #2Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD, with an Earnings ESP of +1.65% and a Zacks Rank #2.Interxion Holding NV INXN with an Earnings ESP of +11.77% 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 INTERXION HLDG (INXN): Free Stock Analysis Report GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report AGILENT TECH (A): Free Stock Analysis Report AMETEK INC (AME): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research