Lorillard Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Falling Revenue, Rising EPS Over Last Quarter

Lorillard LO announces its next round of earnings this Monday, July 25, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to Lorillard's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS reading of $2.02 per share and revenues of $1.15 billion. Can Lorillard manage the estimated 16.8% rise in EPS and 10.6% increase in revenues as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Monday to find out.

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

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$1.57	$1.67	$1.64	$1.61
EPS Actual	$1.71	$1.74	$1.81	$1.73

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Lorillard were trading at $110.55. Shares are up 38.6% year to date.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Lorillard is a Hold. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of Lorillard's peers.

• Alliance One International (AOI): Hold with a -$1.12 recent quarter EPS
• Altria Group (MO): Hold with a $0.44 recent quarter EPS
• Philip Morris International (PM): Moderate Buy with a $1.06 recent quarter EPS
• Reynolds American (RAI): Moderate Buy with a $0.59 recent quarter EPS

The tobacco company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.6% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Lorillard manufactures and sells cigarettes and tobacco under the brand names of Newport, Kent, True, Maverick and Old Gold.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Lorillard's 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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