Thermo Fisher Scientific Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings, Revenue from Prior Quarter

Thermo Fisher Scientific TMO announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to Thermo Fisher Scientific's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 98 cents per share and revenues of $2.83 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 84 cents per share on revenues of $2.65 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Thermo Fisher Scientific reports steady revenue and a rise in EPS from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are expecting.

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

Stock Performance:

Shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific were trading at $63.65 as of July 20, 2011. Shares are up 15% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 34.3%. 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 Thermo Fisher Scientific is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

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

• Becton, Dickinson and BDX: Hold with a $1.38 recent quarter EPS
• Bio-Rad Laboratories BIO: Moderate Buy with a $1.30 recent quarter EPS
• CareFusion CFN: Hold with a $0.42 recent quarter EPS

The electrical mass spectometry company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. develops, manufactures and sells a range of products.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming Thermo Fisher Scientific earnings report has any surprises. Also, come back to Benzinga after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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