Parker Hannifin Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings, Revenue from Prior Quarter

Parker Hannifin PH announces its next round of earnings this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for this Tuesday's fourth quarter earnings announcement.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of $1.80 per share and revenues of $3.34 billion. Parker Hannifin's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a positive EPS of $1.36 per share on revenues of $2.79 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if Parker Hannifin has accomplished the estimated 32.4% rise in EPS and 19.7% 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	Q3	Q2	Q1	Q4
EPS Estimate	$1.54	$1.30	$1.07	$1.08
EPS Actual	$1.68	$1.39	$1.51	$1.36

Stock Performance:

Shares of Parker Hannifin were trading at $79.93 as of July 27, 2011. Since January 1st, shares of Parker Hannifin have declined 6.7%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 14.6%. 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 Parker Hannifin is a Hold.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Parker Hannifin closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the industrials sector.

• Actuant ATU: Moderate Buy with a $0.51 recent quarter EPS
• Crane CR: Moderate Buy with a $0.85 recent quarter EPS
• Eaton ETN: Hold with a $0.97 recent quarter EPS

Parker Hannifin is in the machine industrial industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.2%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Parker Hannifin manufactures motion and control technologies and systems, including electromechanical controls, fluid power systems and related components.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Parker Hannifin's upcoming earnings numbers, keep an eye out for any surprises in the report and be ready to take action. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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