Earnings Preview: Republic Services EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise from Previous Quarter

Republic Services RSG unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 28, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Republic Services' second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of 48 cents per share and revenues of $2.1 billion. Wall Street will be looking to see how this quarter's numbers compare to the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 42 cents per share on revenues of $2.07 billion. Can Republic Services manage the estimated 14.3% rise in EPS and 1.4% increase in revenues from the year-ago quarter as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Thursday 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	$0.41	$0.41	$0.46	$0.42
EPS Actual	$0.42	$0.42	$0.45	$0.42

Stock Performance:

As of July 22, 2011, Republic Services' current share price was $30.27. Since January 1st, shares of Republic Services have given investors a return of 2.7%. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 1.5%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Republic Services is a Moderate Buy. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

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 Republic Services' peers.

• Casella Waste Systems CWST: Moderate Buy with a -$0.85 recent quarter EPS
• Stericycle SRCL: Moderate Buy with a $0.68 recent quarter EPS
• Waste Connections WCN: Strong Buy with a $0.39 recent quarter EPS
• Clean Harbors (CLH): Moderate Buy with a $0.86 recent quarter EPS

The waste removal services company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.8% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Republic Services offers non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services in the U.S.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Republic Services' 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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