Chesapeake Energy Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue, Falling EPS Over Previous Quarter

Chesapeake Energy CHK announces its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 28, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Chesapeake Energy's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 72 cents per share and revenues of $2.76 billion. Whether the reported numbers beat or miss analysts' estimates, they will also be compared against last year's numbers for the same period, which were a profit of 75 cents per share on revenues of $2.01 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Chesapeake Energy 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:

At last check, shares of Chesapeake Energy were trading at $34.39. Shares are up 33.4% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 45.3%. 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 Chesapeake Energy is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has risen over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how Chesapeake Energy compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• Anadarko Petroleum APC: Moderate Buy with a $0.73 recent quarter EPS
• Chevron CVX: Moderate Buy with a $3.09 recent quarter EPS
• Devon Energy DVN: Moderate Buy with a $1.34 recent quarter EPS
• Apache (APA): Moderate Buy with a $2.87 recent quarter EPS

The oil-US export and production company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 15.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Chesapeake Energy is a company that explores and develops properties for the production of crude oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Chesapeake Energy'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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