Earnings Preview: Air Products & Chemicals' EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise
Air Products & Chemicals (NYSE: APD) unveils its next round of earnings this Friday, October 21, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to Air Products & Chemicals' fourth quarter earnings report.
Earnings and Revenue:
Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.51/share and revenues of $2.63 billion. Air Products & Chemicals' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.35/share on revenues of $2.35 billion. Can Air Products & Chemicals manage the estimated 11.9% rise in EPS and 11.9% increase in revenues from the year-ago quarter as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Friday to find out.
Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:
| Quarter | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 |
| EPS Estimate | $1.46 | $1.39 | $1.34 | $1.32 |
| EPS Actual | $1.46 | $1.41 | $1.35 | $1.35 |
Stock Performance:
As of October 17, 2011, Air Products & Chemicals' current share price was $82.64. Since January 1st, shares of Air Products & Chemicals have declined 7.3%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 2.4%. 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 Air Products & Chemicals 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 Air Products & Chemicals' peers.
- Airgas (NYSE: ARG): Moderate Buy with a $0.99 recent quarter EPS
- Praxair (NYSE: PX): Moderate Buy with a $1.38 recent quarter EPS
- Rentech (RTK): Hold with a $0.03 recent quarter EPS
The chemicals-diversified company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.1% during the current fiscal year.
Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Air Products and Chemicals is a global supplier of gases and chemicals for industrial use. It provides customers in the technology, energy, and healthcare sectors with a variety of services and solutions, including atmospheric gases and semiconductor materials.
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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