Archer Daniels Midland Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue Over Previous Quarter

Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM) unveils its next round of earnings this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Archer Daniels Midland's fourth quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS of 86 cents per share and revenues of $20.3 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 69 cents per share on revenues of $15.7 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if Archer Daniels Midland falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and 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:

At last check, shares of Archer Daniels Midland were trading at $31.01. Shares are up 4.1% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 0.4%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Archer Daniels Midland is a Hold.

Competitors:

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

• Bunge (NYSE: BG): Hold with a $1.49 recent quarter EPS
• Corn Products International (NYSE: CPO): Moderate Buy with a $1.28 recent quarter EPS
• General Mills (NYSE: GIS): Moderate Buy with a $0.52 recent quarter EPS

Archer Daniels Midland is in the agriculture/products industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.2%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Archer Daniels Midland is a processor of oilseeds, cocoa, corn, wheat and other feedstuffs. The company also manufactures vegetable oil and protein meal, corn sweeteners, flour, ethanol, biodiesel and other food and feed ingredients.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Archer Daniels Midland'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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