Bristol-Myers Squibb Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue, Falling EPS

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 27, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to Bristol-Myers Squibb's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 58 cents/share and revenues of $5.3 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 59 cents/share on revenues of $4.8 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Bristol-Myers Squibb 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb were trading at $32.56 as of October 21, 2011. Shares are up 28.8% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 26.9%. 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb is a Hold. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other healthcare companies are doing? Here are a few of Bristol-Myers Squibb's peers in that sector.

• Abbott Laboratories Com Stk NPV (NYSE: ABT): Hold with a $1.18 recent quarter EPS
• AstraZeneca plc (ADR (NYSE: AZN): Hold with a $1.52 recent quarter EPS
• GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR (NYSE: GSK): Hold with a $0.81 recent quarter EPS
• Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ): Moderate Buy with a $1.24 recent quarter EPS

The large-cap pharmaceutical company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 0.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global company that develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceutical products.

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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