How to Find Strong Computer and Technology Stocks Slated for Positive Earnings Surprises

Two factors often determine stock prices in the long run: earnings and interest rates. Investors can’t control the latter, but they can focus on a company’s earnings results every quarter.

The earnings figure itself is key, but a beat or miss on the bottom line can sometimes be just as, if not more, important. Therefore, investors should consider paying close attention to these earnings surprises, as a big beat can help a stock climb even higher.

The Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company’s report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.

The final step today is to look at a stock that meets our ESP qualifications. Nutanix (NTNX) earns a Zacks Rank #3 six days from its next quarterly earnings release on August 27, 2025, and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $0.38 a share.

NTNX has an Earnings ESP figure of +18.49%, which, as explained above, is calculated by taking the percentage difference between the $0.38 Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.32.

NTNX is one of just a large database of Computer and Technology stocks with positive ESPs. Another solid-looking stock is Lam Research (LRCX).

Lam Research, which is readying to report earnings on October 22, 2025, sits at a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) right now. Its Most Accurate Estimate is currently $1.22 a share, and LRCX is 62 days out from its next earnings report.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lam Research is $1.19, and when you take the percentage difference between that number and its Most Accurate Estimate, you get the Earnings ESP figure of +2.14%.

NTNX and LRCX’s positive ESP metrics may signal that a positive earnings surprise for both stocks is on the horizon.

Use the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they’re reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>

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

Nutanix (NTNX) : Free Stock Analysis Report