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

Sprint Nextel S releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 28, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Sprint Nextel's second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Wall Street expects a loss of 12 cents per share and revenues of $8.3 billion. Whether the reported numbers beat or miss analysts' estimates, they will also be compared against last year's numbers for the same period, which were a loss of 15 cents per share on revenues of $8.02 billion. We'll know on Thursday whether Sprint Nextel has managed the estimated 3.5% 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:

Shares of Sprint Nextel were trading at $5.16 as of July 22, 2011. Since January 1st, shares of Sprint Nextel have given investors a return of 22%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 12.4%. 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 Sprint Nextel is a Hold. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Sprint Nextel 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

Sprint Nextel is in the diversified communications systems industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 0.8%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Sprint Nextel. offers a range of wireless and wireline communications products and services.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Sprint Nextel'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.

• To see up-to-date news on Sprint Nextel, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here