Loews Earnings Preview: Analysts Predict Higher Earnings
Loews (NYSE: L) releases its next round of earnings this Monday, October 31, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Loews' third quarter earnings.
Earnings and Revenue:
Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS of 51 cents/share. Loews' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 5 cents/share.
Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:
| Quarter | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 |
| EPS Estimate | $0.75 | $0.91 | $0.88 | -$0.01 |
| EPS Actual | $0.59 | $0.89 | $1.17 | $0.05 |
Stock Performance:
Shares of Loews were trading at $38.75 as of October 25, 2011. Since January 1st, shares have given investors a return of 0.1%. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 1.1%. 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 is a Moderate Buy. This rating has remained steady over the past ninety days.
Competitors:
Wondering how Loews compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.
- American Financial Group (NYSE: AFG): Moderate Buy with a $0.78 recent quarter EPS
- American International Group (NYSE: AIG): Hold with a $0.72 recent quarter EPS
- Chubb (NYSE: CB): Hold with a $0.88 recent quarter EPS
- Cincinnati (NASDAQ: CINF): Moderate Sell with a -$0.57 recent quarter EPS
Loews is in the insurance-multiline industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 0.7%.
Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Through its subsidiaries, Loews is involved in commercial property and casualty insurance, operation of offshore oil and gas drilling rigs, production of natural gas and liquids, operation of interstate natural gas pipeline, and operation of hotels.
Take Action:
Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Loews' 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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