Eli Lilly & Earnings Preview: Analysts Predict Higher Earnings Over Prior Quarter

It's time to get ready for Eli Lilly & LLY earnings! Don't be caught off-guard: The company releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Wondering what to expect from this Thursday's announcement? Don't worry. Here's your essential guide to Eli Lilly &'s second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS reading of $1.18 per share and revenues of $5.99 billion. We'll know on Thursday whether Eli Lilly & has managed the estimated 99% increase in EPS and 104% 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	$1.17	$1.10	$1.15	$1.11
EPS Actual	$1.24	$1.11	$1.21	$1.24

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Eli Lilly & were trading at $38.33. Since January 1st, shares of Eli Lilly & have given investors a return of 12.3%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 6.8%. 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 Eli Lilly & is a Moderate Sell. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

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

• Abbott Laboratories ABT: Hold with a $0.91 recent quarter EPS
• Alkermes ALKS: Moderate Buy with a $-0.14 recent quarter EPS
• GlaxoSmithKline plc GSK: Hold with a $1.01 recent quarter EPS

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: Eli Lilly & Co. develops and manufactures pharmaceutical products as well as animal health products.

Take Action:

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