AT&T Earnings Preview: Analysts Predict Higher Earnings Over Prior Quarter

AT&T T earnings are right around the corner! Don't be caught off-guard: The company unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Want to get caught up before Thursday's earnings release? We've got just what you need. Here is your everything-that-matters guide to AT&T's second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of 59 cents per share and revenues of $31.33 billion. Can AT&T manage the estimated 97% rise in EPS and 102% increase in revenues as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Thursday to find out.

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

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$0.57	$0.54	$0.55	$0.57
EPS Actual	$0.57	$0.55	$0.55	$0.61

Stock Performance:

Shares of AT&T were trading at $30.31 as of July 15, 2011. Shares are up 7.6% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 11.4%. 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 AT&T is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of AT&T closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the telecommunication services sector.

• Cbeyond CBEY: Hold with a $0.00 recent quarter EPS
• CenturyLink CTL: Moderate Buy with a $0.76 recent quarter EPS

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: AT&T is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates provides wireless and wireline telecommunications services and products to consumers and businesses worldwide. It also provides directory advertising and publishing services in the United States and international markets.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming AT&T 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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