FirstEnergy Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings from Prior Quarter

FirstEnergy FE announces its next round of earnings this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to FirstEnergy's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 75 cents per share and revenues of $3.92 billion. FirstEnergy's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a positive EPS of 82 cents per share on revenues of $3.13 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if FirstEnergy reports a decline in EPS and a boost in revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are predicting.

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

Stock Performance:

Shares of FirstEnergy were trading at $45.13 as of July 27, 2011. Shares are up 25.2% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 22.7%. 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 FirstEnergy is a Hold. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of FirstEnergy's peers.

• American Electric Power Company AEP: Hold with a $0.82 recent quarter EPS
• CH Energy Group CHG: Strong Sell with a $1.08 recent quarter EPS
• Duke Energy DUK: Moderate Sell with a $0.39 recent quarter EPS
• Consolidated Edison ED: Moderate Sell with a $0.97 recent quarter EPS

FirstEnergy is in the utility-electric power industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 2.6%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company that operates through its subsidiaries: OE, CEI, TE, Penn, ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec.

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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