St. Jude Medical Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

St. Jude Medical (NYSE: STJ) unveils its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for this Wednesday's third quarter earnings announcement.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 76 cents/share and revenues of $1.37 billion. St. Jude Medical's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 72 cents/share on revenues of $1.24 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if St. Jude Medical has accomplished the estimated 5.6% rise in EPS and 10.5% 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:

Stock Performance:

As of October 13, 2011, St. Jude Medical's current share price was $38.28. Since January 1st, shares of St. Jude Medical have declined 9.2%. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 2.3%. 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 St. Jude Medical is a Moderate Buy. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

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 St. Jude Medical's peers.

• AtriCure (NASDAQ: ATRC): Moderate Buy with a -$0.06 recent quarter EPS
• C.R. Bard (NYSE: BCR): Hold with a $1.57 recent quarter EPS
• Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX): Hold with a $0.10 recent quarter EPS
• Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW): Hold with a $0.49 recent quarter EPS

The medical products company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.4% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: St. Jude Medical develops, manufactures and distributes cardiovascular medical devices.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at St. Jude Medical'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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