Can Nvidia Continue Its Beat Streak in Next Earnings Report?

Investors hunting for stocks with strong momentum in earnings performance may want to turn their attention to Nvidia (NVDA), a semiconductor powerhouse known for consistently exceeding Wall Street’s expectations. Operating within the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry, the company has demonstrated an impressive pattern of surpassing consensus estimates, particularly over its most recent quarters. This track record suggests the chipmaker could be positioned for another positive surprise when it announces results on February 25, 2026.

A Proven Track Record of Beating Expectations

Nvidia’s ability to beat earnings projections isn’t a fluke—it’s rooted in operational excellence. Over the past two quarters, the company has posted an average earnings surprise of 4.92%, a notable achievement in today’s competitive market. The most recent quarter exemplified this strength: while analysts anticipated $1.24 in earnings per share, Nvidia delivered $1.30, translating to a 4.84% beat on the bottom line. In the quarter before, consensus called for $1.00 per share, yet the company produced $1.05, representing a 5.00% surprise.

This consistent ability to outperform isn’t lost on Wall Street. Analyst estimates have been trending upward in response to these repeated beats, reflecting growing confidence in the company’s operational execution and market positioning.

Why the Earnings ESP Metric Matters

Understanding one key metric can significantly improve your odds of identifying stocks likely to deliver positive earnings surprises. The Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) developed by Zacks compares the Most Accurate Estimate against the broader Zacks Consensus Estimate. The logic is straightforward: analysts who revise their forecasts immediately before an earnings release typically possess the most current information, making their estimates potentially more reliable than earlier consensus forecasts.

Currently, Nvidia carries an Earnings ESP of +2.18%, signaling that recent analyst revisions have become increasingly bullish regarding the company’s earnings outlook. This positive forward revision is a meaningful indicator of potential upside.

Combining Indicators for Better Predictions

Research conducted by Zacks demonstrates that stocks combining a positive Earnings ESP with a strong Zacks Rank—specifically Rank #3 (Hold) or higher—deliver positive earnings surprises approximately 70% of the time. Put simply: if you tracked 10 stocks meeting both criteria, roughly seven would likely exceed their consensus estimates.

Nvidia stands well-positioned within this analytical framework. The stock maintains a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, representing a particularly bullish assessment. When paired with its positive +2.18% Earnings ESP, this combination creates a compelling setup for another earnings beat in the company’s upcoming report.

Looking Ahead to February 25

The company’s next earnings announcement is scheduled for February 25, 2026, providing a concrete date for investors monitoring the company’s performance. Given Nvidia’s historical pattern of surpassing expectations, the convergence of positive analyst revisions, strong forward ratings, and the company’s demonstrated execution capability suggests another beat remains quite plausible.

It’s worth noting that when Earnings ESP turns negative, predictive power diminishes considerably. However, a negative reading shouldn’t be interpreted as a guaranteed miss—many companies continue to outperform consensus even when the ESP suggests otherwise. Conversely, some firms absorb earnings shortfalls without experiencing stock declines, depending on broader market sentiment and company-specific catalysts.

For investors seeking to maximize their odds of success ahead of quarterly earnings, consulting Earnings ESP data before releases and utilizing tools like the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter can help identify opportunities before markets fully price them in.