Priceline.com Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings, Revenue

Priceline.com (NASDAQ: PCLN) releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, August 4, 2011. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for this Thursday's second quarter earnings announcement.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $4.58/share and revenues of $1.07 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of $2.81/share on revenues of $767.4 million. Can priceline.com manage the estimated 63% rise in EPS and 39.4% increase in revenues from the year-ago quarter as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Thursday 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 29, 2011, priceline.com's current share price was $537.65. Shares are up 34.6% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 53.8%. 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 priceline.com is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of priceline.com closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the consumer discretionary sector.

• Expedia (NASDAQ: EXPE): Hold with a $0.50 recent quarter EPS
• Interval Leisure Group (NASDAQ: IILG): Strong Buy with a $0.23 recent quarter EPS
• Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW): Moderate Sell with a -$0.11 recent quarter EPS
• Ctrip.com International (CTRP): Moderate Buy with a $0.24 recent quarter EPS

Priceline.com is in the internet commerce industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.5%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Priceline.com is an online travel company that offers travel services, including hotel rooms, airline tickets, vacation packages, car rentals, cruises and destination services.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at priceline.com'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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