We expect PAREXEL International Corporation PRXL to beat expectations when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2016 results on Apr 27. Why a Likely Positive Surprise?Our proven model shows that PAREXEL is likely to beat earnings because it has the right combination of two key ingredients.Zacks ESP: PAREXEL’s Earnings ESP stands at +2.25%. This is because the company’s Most Accurate estimate is 91 cents, whereas the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 89 cents. A favorable ESP serves as a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive surprise. Zacks Rank: PAREXEL 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 PAREXEL’s Zacks Rank #2 and +2.25% ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.What is Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?We note that PAREXEL has posted a positive earnings surprise of 10.73% on an average over the last four quarters.PAREXEL expects third-quarter fiscal 2016 revenues in the range of $517–$527 million. Adjusted earnings are likely to be within 84–92 cents per share. We believe robust demand for outsourced biopharmaceutical research and development services will help the company beat its target.Moreover, new business wins, productivity and cost-control initiatives will boost overall results. Notably, PAREXEL’s Margin Acceleration Program (MAP) generated approximately $6 million of savings in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.Further, we believe the company’s expansion into genomic-based drug development is a key growth catalyst. Meanwhile, the acquisition of life sciences consulting firm Health Advances expanded PAREXEL’s customer base. The buyout helped the company gain customers in the medical device, diagnostics and healthcare IT segments.Additionally, the partnership with Optum, a division of UnitedHealth, improves PAREXEL’s position in the post-approval and commercialization market.Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some other companies you may want to consider as our model shows they also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:Align Technology Inc. ALGN, earnings ESP of +12.82% and a Zacks Rank #1.Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX, earnings ESP of +1.99% and a Zacks Rank #2.Zimmer Biomet Holdings ZBH, earnings ESP of +1.04% 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 ALIGN TECH INC (ALGN): Free Stock Analysis Report BECTON DICKINSO (BDX): Free Stock Analysis Report PAREXEL INTL CP (PRXL): Free Stock Analysis Report ZIMMER BIOMET (ZBH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research