Duke Energy Earnings Preview: EPS Expected to Fall from Previous Quarter

Duke Energy DUK unveils its next round of earnings this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Duke Energy's second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 30 cents per share and revenues of $3.32 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 34 cents per share on revenues of $3.29 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if Duke Energy 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:

At last check, shares of Duke Energy were trading at $18.76. Since January 1st, shares of Duke Energy have given investors a return of 8.1%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 12%. 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 Duke Energy is a Moderate Sell. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

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 Duke Energy's peers.

• American Electric Power Company AEP: Hold with a $0.82 recent quarter EPS
• ALLETE ALE: Moderate Buy with a $1.07 recent quarter EPS
• Dominion Resources D: Hold with a $0.93 recent quarter EPS
• DPL DPL: Hold with a $0.56 recent quarter EPS

Duke Energy 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: Duke Energy offers electric power and gas distribution operations and other energy services in North and South America.

Take Action:

There is your peek into Duke Energy's 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 Duke Energy, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here