Republic Services Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

Republic Services RSG releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 27, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Republic Services' third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 50 cents/share and revenues of $2.11 billion. Republic Services' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 45 cents/share on revenues of $2.06 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Republic Services reports higher EPS and a slight increase in revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are expecting.

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

Quarter	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$0.48	$0.41	$0.41	$0.46
EPS Actual	$0.49	$0.42	$0.42	$0.45

Stock Performance:

As of October 24, 2011, Republic Services' current share price was $29.49. Since January 1st, shares of Republic Services have given investors a return of 0.9%. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 1.8%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Republic Services is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

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 Republic Services' peers.

• Clean Harbors CLH: Moderate Buy with a $0.55 recent quarter EPS
• Casella Waste Systems CWST: Moderate Buy with a -$0.12 recent quarter EPS
• Industrial Services of America IDSA: Moderate Buy with a $0.13 recent quarter EPS
• Perma-Fix Environmental Services PESI: Strong Buy with a $0.05 recent quarter EPS

The waste removal services 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: Republic Services offers non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services in the United States.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Republic Services' 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.

• To see up-to-date news on Republic Services, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here