ROP

The article explains how investors can use the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool to identify stocks likely to beat earnings estimates. It highlights two computer and technology stocks with positive ESP metrics: Lam Research (LRCX) with a +2.25% ESP and a #2 Buy rating, and Roper Technologies (ROP) with a +1.13% ESP and a #2 Buy rating, both scheduled to report earnings in late October 2026.

Roper Technologies has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating due to upward trends in earnings estimates. The upgrade reflects positivity about the company's earnings outlook, with analysts raising consensus estimates by 1.2% over the past three months. The stock is positioned in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for near-term price appreciation.

A comparison of two IT services companies shows that Cognizant (CTSH) is the superior value option compared to Roper Technologies (ROP). Both stocks have a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with positive earnings outlooks, but CTSH offers better valuation metrics with a forward P/E of 9.89 versus ROP's 15.93, a PEG ratio of 1.06 versus 1.77, and a Value grade of A versus C.