Earnings Preview: Altria Group Revenue Expected to Rise

It's time to gear up for Altria Group

earnings! Keep your head in the game: The company releases its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 20, 2011.

Wondering what Wall Street is thinking ahead of Altria Group's lastest earnings numbers? Get the latest predictions in our essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS reading of 54 cents per share and revenues of $4.45 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Altria Group has accomplished the estimated 105% rise in EPS and 103% 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	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$0.44	$0.44	$0.52	$0.50
EPS Actual	$0.44	$0.44	$0.54	$0.50

Stock Performance:

Shares of Altria Group were trading at $26.85 as of July 14, 2011. Shares are up 12.3% year to date.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Altria Group is a Hold. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of Altria Group's peers.

Alliance One International (AOI): Hold with a -$1.12 recent quarter EPS
Lorillard (LO): Hold with a $1.71 recent quarter EPS
Philip Morris International (PM): Moderate Buy with a $1.06 recent quarter EPS
Reynolds American (RAI): Moderate Buy with a $0.59 recent quarter EPS

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: Altria Group manufactures and sells cigarettes and tobacco products as well as maintaining a portfolio of leveraged and direct finance leases.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Altria Group'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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