Earnings Preview: Southwestern Energy Company EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise from Previous Quarter

Southwestern Energy Company SWN releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 28, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Southwestern Energy Company's second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 43 cents per share and revenues of $709.2 million. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 35 cents per share on revenues of $419.2 million. We'll know on Thursday whether Southwestern Energy Company has managed the estimated 22.9% increase in EPS and 69.2% 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	$0.39	$0.42	$0.46	$0.36
EPS Actual	$0.39	$0.43	$0.46	$0.35

Stock Performance:

As of July 22, 2011, Southwestern Energy Company's current share price was $49. Since January 1st, shares of Southwestern Energy Company have given investors a return of 30.9%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 44.3%. 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 Southwestern Energy Company is a Hold. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other energy companies are doing? Here are a few of Southwestern Energy Company's peers in that sector.

• ConocoPhillips COP: Hold with a $1.82 recent quarter EPS
• Chevron CVX: Moderate Buy with a $3.09 recent quarter EPS
• Hess HES: Moderate Buy with a $1.82 recent quarter EPS
• EQT (EQT): Moderate Buy with a $0.67 recent quarter EPS

Southwestern Energy Company is in the utility-gas distribution industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 2.3%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Southwestern Energy Co. is an independent energy company, which through its subsidiaries, explores, develops and produces natural gas and crude oil.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Southwestern Energy Company's upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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