Earnings Preview: United Technologies' EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise - Boeing (NYSE:BA)

United Technologies UTX announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to United Technologies' third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.45/share and revenues of $14.55 billion. United Technologies' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.39/share on revenues of $13.53 billion. We'll know on Wednesday whether United Technologies has managed the estimated 4.3% increase in EPS and 7.5% rise 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	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$1.41	$1.06	$1.29	$1.28
EPS Actual	$1.45	$1.13	$1.34	$1.39

Stock Performance:

As of October 13, 2011, United Technologies' current share price was $73.54. Shares are down 5% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 1.5%. 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 United Technologies is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

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 United Technologies' peers.

Boeing Company BA: Moderate Buy with a $1.25 recent quarter EPS
Esterline Technologies ESL: Moderate Buy with a $1.21 recent quarter EPS
General Electric Company GE: Moderate Buy with a $0.33 recent quarter EPS
Goodrich GR: Hold with a $1.51 recent quarter EPS

The diversified operations company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 0.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: United Technologies provides high tech products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide.

Take Action:

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

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