Earnings Preview: McGraw-Hill Companies EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise from Previous Quarter

McGraw-Hill Companies MHP unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 28, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 67 cents per share and revenues of $1.56 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 61 cents per share on revenues of $1.47 billion. We'll know on Thursday whether McGraw-Hill Companies has managed the estimated 9.8% increase in EPS and 6.1% rise 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 22, 2011, McGraw-Hill Companies' current share price was $43.92. Shares are up 22.1% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 28.9%. 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 McGraw-Hill Companies is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has stayed consistent over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of McGraw-Hill Companies closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the consumer discretionary sector.

• Gannett GCI: Hold with a $0.58 recent quarter EPS
• Meredith MDP: Hold with a $0.67 recent quarter EPS
• News NWSA: Moderate Buy with a $0.26 recent quarter EPS
• Reed Elsevier NV ENL: Strong Buy

The book publishing 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: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. produces a range of information products and services for the education, financial services and business information markets.

Take Action:

There is your peek into McGraw-Hill Companies' upcoming earnings numbers, including some competitors to watch around the time of the announcement. Check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap of the announcement. In the meantime, here are some links to explore today.

• To see up-to-date news on McGraw-Hill Companies, click here
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• To see other company earnings recaps, click here