Simon Property Group Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Falling Revenue, Rising EPS Over Last Quarter

Simon Property Group SPG releases its next round of earnings this Tuesday, July 26, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings release.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of $1.58 per share and revenues of $998.2 million. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers compare to the year-ago quarter's EPS of $1.38 per share on revenues of $933.6 million. We'll know on Tuesday whether Simon Property Group has managed the estimated 14.5% increase in EPS and 6.9% 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:

Stock Performance:

As of July 20, 2011, Simon Property Group's current share price was $120.50. Since January 1st, shares of Simon Property Group have given investors a return of 22.9%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 25.3%. 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 Simon Property Group is a Moderate Buy. This rating hasn't budged over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Simon Property Group closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the financials sector.

• General Growth Properties GGP: Hold with a $0.22 recent quarter EPS
• Kimco Realty KIM: Hold with a $0.30 recent quarter EPS
• Kite Realty Group KRG: Hold with a $0.10 recent quarter EPS
• Pennsylvania R.E.I.T PEI: Moderate Sell with a $0.37 recent quarter EPS

Simon Property Group is in the REIT-equity trust industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 2.2%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Simon Property Group Inc. operates as a real estate investment trust that owns, develops and manages retail real estate properties.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming Simon Property Group earnings report has any surprises. Also, come back to Benzinga after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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