Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Abbott Laboratories Revenue, Earnings to Dip from Previous Quarter

It's time to gear up for Abbott Laboratories ABT earnings! Keep your head in the game: The company releases its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 20, 2011.

Want to get caught up before Wednesday's earnings release? We've got just what you need. Here is your everything-that-matters guide to Abbott Laboratories' second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of $1.11 per share and revenues of $9.56 billion. We'll know on Wednesday whether Abbott Laboratories has managed the estimated 111% increase in EPS and 108% rise 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	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$0.90	$1.29	$1.04	$1.00
EPS Actual	$0.91	$1.30	$1.05	$1.01

Stock Performance:

As of July 14, 2011, Abbott Laboratories' current share price was $53.16. Since January 1st, shares of Abbott Laboratories have given investors a return of 14.1%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 3%. 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 Abbott Laboratories is a Hold.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Abbott Laboratories closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the healthcare sector.

• Boston Scientific BSX: Hold with a $0.14 recent quarter EPS
• Johnson & Johnson JNJ: Moderate Buy with a $1.35 recent quarter EPS

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: Abbott Laboratories is a pharmaceuticals health care company, whose main line of business is in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a broad range of health care products. Its customers include wholesalers, hospitals and commercial laboratories.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Abbott Laboratories' 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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