International Paper Company Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue, Falling EPS Over Previous Quarter

International Paper Company IP releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 28, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to International Paper Company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of 66 cents per share and revenues of $6.63 billion. International Paper Company's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a positive EPS of 42 cents per share on revenues of $6.12 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if International Paper Company 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:

Stock Performance:

As of July 22, 2011, International Paper Company's current share price was $30.86. Since January 1st, shares of International Paper Company have given investors a return of 14.9%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 38.5%. 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 International Paper Company is a Moderate Buy. This rating hasn't budged over the past three months.

Competitors:

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

• Buckeye Technologies BKI: Moderate Buy with a $0.72 recent quarter EPS
• Clearwater Paper CLW: Moderate Buy with a $0.63 recent quarter EPS
• P.H. Glatfelter Company GLT: Strong Buy with a $0.34 recent quarter EPS
• KapStone Paper and Packaging KS: Moderate Buy with a $0.32 recent quarter EPS

The paper and related products company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 2.1% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: International Paper is a global paper and packaging company with operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming International Paper Company 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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