Verizon Communications Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) releases its next round of earnings this Friday, October 21, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Verizon Communications' third quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Wall Street expects an EPS of 57 cents/share and revenues of $27.91 billion. Verizon Communications' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 56 cents/share on revenues of $26.48 billion. We'll have to wait for Friday to see if Verizon Communications falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter.

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

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Verizon Communications were trading at $36.94. Since January 1st, shares of Verizon Communications have given investors a return of 8.8%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 21%. 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 Verizon Communications is a Hold. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other telecommunication services companies are doing? Here are a few of Verizon Communications' peers in that sector.

• CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL): Moderate Buy with a $0.64 recent quarter EPS
• Leap Wireless International (NASDAQ: LEAP): Hold with a -$0.85 recent quarter EPS
• NTELOS Holdings (NASDAQ: NTLS): Moderate Buy with a $0.30 recent quarter EPS
• MetroPCS Communications (NYSE: PCS): Hold with a $0.24 recent quarter EPS

The diversified communications systems company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.6% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Verizon Communications provides communications services.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Verizon Communications' 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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