Blackstone Group Earnings Preview: Analysts Predict Higher Earnings Over Prior Quarter

Blackstone Group BX earnings are coming up! Don't miss out: The company unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Need to brush up a bit ahead of Thursday's announcement? We've got just the thing. Here's your essential guide to Blackstone Group's second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Wall Street expects a positive EPS reading of 38 cents per share and revenues of $1.02 billion. We'll know on Thursday whether Blackstone Group has managed the estimated 128% increase in EPS and 185% rise in revenues on a year-over-year basis.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$0.41	$0.31	$0.25	$0.16
EPS Actual	$0.51	$0.46	$0.3	$0.18

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Blackstone Group were trading at $15.90. Shares are up 15.7% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 23.7%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Blackstone Group L.P is a Moderate Buy. This rating has remained steady over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other financials companies are doing? Here are a few of Blackstone Group's peers in that sector.

• Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. (USA BAM: Moderate Buy with a $0.42 recent quarter EPS
• Franklin Resources BEN: Moderate Buy with a $2.25 recent quarter EPS
• Cohen & Steers CNS: Hold with a $0.3 recent quarter EPS
• Evercore Partners EVR: Hold with a $0.28 recent quarter EPS

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: Blackstone Group is a global alternative asset manager and a provider of financial advisory services.

Take Action:

Now that you're fully prepared, get ready to take quick action if the company reports any numbers significantly different from those listed above. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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