NextEra Energy Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings, Revenue from Prior Quarter

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) releases its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 27, 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 $1.09 per share and revenues of $3.72 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of $1.11 per share on revenues of $3.59 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if NextEra Energy reports rising revenue and shrinking EPS from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are expecting.

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

Stock Performance:

As of July 21, 2011, NextEra Energy's current share price was $57.89. Since January 1st, shares of NextEra Energy have given investors a return of 13.6%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 7.9%. 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 NextEra Energy is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of NextEra Energy closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the utilities sector.

• American Electric Power Company (NYSE: AEP): Hold with a $0.82 recent quarter EPS
• Constellation Energy Group (NYSE: CEG): Hold with a $0.63 recent quarter EPS
• El Paso Electric Company (NYSE: EE): Moderate Buy with a $0.16 recent quarter EPS
• Entergy (NYSE: ETR): Hold with a $1.38 recent quarter EPS

NextEra Energy is in the utility-electric power industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 3.4%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: NextEra Energy provides electricity-related services through two operating subsidiaries, FPL and FPL Energy.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at NextEra Energy'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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