Edwards Lifesciences Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue, Falling EPS

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Edwards Lifesciences' third quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 39 cents/share and revenues of $405.1 million. Edwards Lifesciences' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 43 cents/share on revenues of $348.9 million. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Edwards Lifesciences reports a decline in EPS and a boost in revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are predicting.

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

Stock Performance:

Shares of Edwards Lifesciences were trading at $71.23 as of October 13, 2011. Shares are down 11.9% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 6%. 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 Edwards Lifesciences is a Hold. 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 Edwards Lifesciences' peers.

• 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
• Cardica (NASDAQ: CRDC): Strong Buy with a -$0.11 recent quarter EPS
• CryoLife (NYSE: CRY): Hold with a $0.12 recent quarter EPS

Edwards Lifesciences is in the medical products industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.4%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Edwards Lifesciences is a provider of products and technologies designed to treat advanced cardiovascular disease. Its products are categorized into four main areas: heart valve therapy; critical care; cardiac surgery systems; and vascular.

Take Action:

Now that you're fully prepared, get ready to take quick action if the company reports any numbers significantly different from those listed above. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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