Philip Morris International Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 20, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of $1.23/share and revenues of $7.57 billion. Philip Morris International's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1/share on revenues of $6.61 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Philip Morris International has accomplished the estimated 23% rise in EPS and 14.5% 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:

Shares of Philip Morris International were trading at $67.40 as of October 14, 2011. Shares are up 18.8% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 19.2%. 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 Philip Morris International is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has stayed consistent over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Philip Morris International closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the consumer staples sector.

• Alliance One International (NYSE: AOI): Moderate Buy with a $0.03 recent quarter EPS
• Lorillard (NYSE: LO): Hold with a $2.05 recent quarter EPS
• Star Scientific (NASDAQ: CIGX): -$0.04 recent quarter EPS

The tobacco company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.7% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Philip Morris International is the holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates manufacture and sell cigarettes and other tobacco products in markets outside the U.S.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Philip Morris 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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