Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Hartford Financial Services' Earnings to Dip

Hartford Financial Services HIG releases its next round of earnings this Wednesday, August 3, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of one cent per share and revenues of $5.96 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 92 cents per share on revenues of $2.42 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Hartford Financial Services 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:

As of July 28, 2011, Hartford Financial Services' current share price was $23.38. Since January 1st, shares of Hartford Financial Services have declined 11.1%. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 4.5%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Hartford Financial Services is a Hold. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other financials companies are doing? Here are a few of Hartford Financial Services' peers in that sector.

• American Financial Group AFG: Moderate Buy with a $0.81 recent quarter EPS
• American International Group AIG: Hold with a $1.30 recent quarter EPS
• CNA CNA: Hold with a $0.80 recent quarter EPS
• Assurant (AIZ): Hold with a $0.76 recent quarter EPS

Hartford Financial Services is in the insurance-multiline industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 0.8%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. provides investment products and insurance products in the United States.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming Hartford Financial Services 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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