Earnings Preview: Apache's EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise

Apache APA unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, August 4, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Apache's second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of $3.09/share and revenues of $4.26 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of $2.44/share on revenues of $2.97 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Apache has accomplished the estimated 26.6% rise in EPS and 43.4% increase 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 29, 2011, Apache's current share price was $123.72. Since January 1st, shares of Apache have given investors a return of 4.1%.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Apache is a Moderate Buy. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

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 Apache's peers.

• Anadarko Petroleum APC: Moderate Buy with a $1.14 recent quarter EPS
• Chesapeake Energy CHK: Moderate Buy with a $0.76 recent quarter EPS
• Chevron CVX: Moderate Buy with a $3.85 recent quarter EPS
• Concho Resources (CXO): Moderate Buy with a $0.79 recent quarter EPS

Apache is in the oil-US export and production industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 11.6%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Apache is an energy company that explores for, develops and produces natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids in six countries.

Take Action:

Now that you're fully prepared, get ready to take quick action if the company reports any numbers significantly different from those listed above. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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