Earnings Preview: Baxter International's EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise

Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) announces its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 20, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Baxter International's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS of $1.08/share and revenues of $3.41 billion. Baxter International's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.01/share on revenues of $3.22 billion. We'll know on Thursday whether Baxter International has managed the estimated 6.9% increase in EPS and 5.9% 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:

Stock Performance:

As of October 14, 2011, Baxter International's current share price was $55.92. Since January 1st, shares of Baxter International have given investors a return of 12.4%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 12.7%. 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 Baxter International is a Moderate Buy. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other healthcare companies are doing? Here are a few of Baxter International's peers in that sector.

• C.R. Bard (NYSE: BCR): Hold with a $1.57 recent quarter EPS
• Becton, Dickinson and (NYSE: BDX): Hold with a $1.51 recent quarter EPS
• CareFusion (NYSE: CFN): Moderate Buy with a $0.52 recent quarter EPS
• Covidien (NYSE: COV): Moderate Buy with a $1.01 recent quarter EPS

Baxter International is in the medical products industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.5%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Baxter International is a company that develops and manufactures healthcare products that save and sustain the lives of people with chronic, acute illnesses.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Baxter International'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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