Earnings Preview: Express Scripts EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise from Previous Quarter

Express Scripts ESRX announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Wall Street expects a EPS of 71 cents per share and revenues of $11.34 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 profit of 60 cents per share on revenues of $11.29 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Express Scripts 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:

As of July 21, 2011, Express Scripts' current share price was $55.36. Since January 1st, shares of Express Scripts have given investors a return of 2.4%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 15.9%. 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 Express Scripts is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Express Scripts closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the healthcare sector.

• AMERIGROUP AGP: Hold with a $1.37 recent quarter EPS
• Centene CNC: Hold with a $0.46 recent quarter EPS
• Magellan Health Services MGLN: Moderate Buy with a $1.02 recent quarter EPS
• Medco Health Solutions MHS: Moderate Buy with a $0.91 recent quarter EPS

The medical services 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: Express Scripts Inc. is a pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company, providing services like retail network pharmacy management and patient care contact centers to its clients in North America.

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.

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