ConocoPhillips Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings, Revenue from Prior Quarter

ConocoPhillips COP releases its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for ConocoPhillips' second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $2.21 per share and revenues of $60.29 billion. ConocoPhillips' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a positive EPS of $1.67 per share on revenues of $45.69 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if ConocoPhillips falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$1.97	$1.31	$1.46	$1.55
EPS Actual	$1.82	$1.32	$1.50	$1.67

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of ConocoPhillips were trading at $75.81. Shares are up 14.3% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 31.8%. 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 ConocoPhillips is a Hold. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Wondering how ConocoPhillips compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• Chevron CVX: Moderate Buy with a $3.09 recent quarter EPS
• Hess HES: Moderate Buy with a $1.82 recent quarter EPS
• Marathon Oil MRO: Hold with a $1.65 recent quarter EPS
• China Petroleum & Chemical (SNP): Moderate Buy with a $4.00 recent quarter EPS

The integrated oil-US company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 0.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: An international energy company, ConocoPhillips operates under six segments: Expl and Production, Midstream, Refining and Marketing, LUKOIL Investment, Chemicals and Emerging Businesses.

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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