It's not shaping up to be an easy reporting season, with weakening consumer sentiment and business conditions, as well as a softening labour market, taking a toll on Australia's listed companies.  That said, while analysts believe earnings will disappoint this August results season, with Goldman Sachs and Macquarie predicting a 3.8% and 6% drop respectively, they dangle the carrot for investors - arguing that earnings will rebound over the year ahead.  So which stocks could surprise investors, beating expectations this results season?  To find out, Livewire's Ally Selby was joined by Marcus Today's Henry Jennings and Market Matters' James Gerrish for their analysis of three stocks that could beat consensus predictions for their earnings result this August.  Plus, they also put their necks on the line and each name a stock that they believe will crush it with an earnings beat.  Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday 31 July 2024. You can read an edited transcript below.  https://www.livewiremarkets.com/wires/buy-hold-sell-5-stocks-likely-to-surprise-to-the-upside-this-reporting-season