Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Marathon Oil Revenue to Dip

Marathon Oil MRO unveils its next round of earnings this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Wall Street expects a EPS of $1.14 per share and revenues of $15.16 billion. Wall Street will be looking to see how this quarter's numbers compare to the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of $1.11 per share on revenues of $18.57 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if Marathon Oil falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an increase in EPS and a decline in revenue from the year-ago quarter.

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

Stock Performance:

As of July 27, 2011, Marathon Oil's current share price was $31.50. Shares are up 41.6% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 49.7%. 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 Marathon Oil is a Hold.

Competitors:

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

• ConocoPhillips COP: Hold with a $1.82 recent quarter EPS
• Chevron CVX: Moderate Buy with a $3.09 recent quarter EPS
• Hess HES: Moderate Buy with a $1.82 recent quarter EPS
• BP p.l.c (BP): Moderate Buy with a $1.89 recent quarter EPS

Marathon Oil is in the integrated oil-US industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.1%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Marathon Oil is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations in the North America, Africa and Europe.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming Marathon Oil earnings report has any surprises. Also, come back to Benzinga after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

• To see up-to-date news on Marathon Oil, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here