Philip Morris International Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

Philip Morris International PM releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 20, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of $1.23/share and revenues of $7.57 billion. Philip Morris International's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1/share on revenues of $6.61 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Philip Morris International has accomplished the estimated 23% rise in EPS and 14.5% increase 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:

Quarter	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$1.21	$1.04	$0.96	$1.01
EPS Actual	$1.34	$1.06	$0.97	$1.00

Stock Performance:

Shares of Philip Morris International were trading at $67.40 as of October 14, 2011. Shares are up 18.8% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 19.2%. 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 Philip Morris International 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 Philip Morris International closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the consumer staples sector.

• Alliance One International AOI: Moderate Buy with a $0.03 recent quarter EPS
• Lorillard LO: Hold with a $2.05 recent quarter EPS
• Star Scientific CIGX: -$0.04 recent quarter EPS

The tobacco company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.7% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Philip Morris International is the holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates manufacture and sell cigarettes and other tobacco products in markets outside the U.S.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Philip Morris International's upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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