CBS Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue from Prior Quarter

CBS CBS releases its next round of earnings this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for CBS' second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 45 cents per share and revenues of $3.56 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 25 cents per share on revenues of $3.33 billion. Can CBS manage the estimated 80% rise in EPS and 6.9% increase in revenues from the year-ago quarter as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Tuesday to find out.

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

Stock Performance:

As of July 26, 2011, CBS' current share price was $28.80. Shares are up 52.1% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 62.5%. 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 CBS is a Moderate Buy. This rating has remained steady over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other consumer discretionary companies are doing? Here are a few of CBS' peers in that sector.

• Comcast CMCSA: Moderate Buy with a $0.36 recent quarter EPS
• Walt Disney Company DIS: Hold with a $0.49 recent quarter EPS
• Entercom Communications (ETM): Hold with a $0.05 recent quarter EPS

The media conglomerate company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: CBS is a mass media company with operations in entertainment, cable networks, publishing, local broadcasting and radio.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at CBS' 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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