Earnings Surprise When the earnings reported in a company's quarterly or annual report are above or below analysts' earnings estimates. Investopedia Says: Company earnings are watched closely by many analysts and investors. When a positive earnings surprise occurs, share price will usually increase. A negative earnings surprise will usually result in a decline in share price. Related Terms: Analyst Consensus Estimate Earnings Earnings Estimate Earnings Recast Hiccup Institutional Brokers' Estimate System - IBES |