Verizon Communications Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue

Get ready for Verizon Communications VZ earnings! Don't be the last to know: The company announces its next round of earnings this Friday, July 22, 2011.

Wondering what Wall Street is thinking ahead of Verizon Communications' lastest earnings numbers? Get the latest predictions in our essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS reading of 54 cents per share and revenues of $27.43 billion. We'll have to wait for Friday to see if Verizon Communications falls in line with analyst expectations and reports a decline in EPS and boost in revenue from the year-ago quarter.

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

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$0.50	$0.55	$0.54	$0.56
EPS Actual	$0.51	$0.54	$0.56	$0.58

Stock Performance:

As of July 18, 2011, Verizon Communications' current share price was $36.71. Shares are up 6.7% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 17.3%. 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 Verizon Communications is a Hold. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Verizon Communications closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the telecommunication services sector.

• CenturyLink CTL: Moderate Buy with a $0.76 recent quarter EPS
• Leap Wireless International (LEAP): Hold with a $-1.26 recent quarter EPS
• NTELOS Holdings (NTLS): Moderate Buy with a $0.26 recent quarter EPS
• MetroPCS Communications (PCS): Hold with a $0.16 recent quarter EPS

The diversified communications systems company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.2% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: Verizon Communications provides communications services through Domestic Wireless and Wireline segments.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Verizon Communications' upcoming earnings numbers, keep an eye out for any surprises in the report and be ready to take action. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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