Pfizer Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) unveils its next round of earnings this Tuesday, November 1, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of 56 cents/share and revenues of $16.42 billion. Pfizer's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 54 cents/share on revenues of $16.17 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if the company 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:

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Pfizer were trading at $19.28. Shares are up 13.6% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 13.8%. 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 is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has declined slightly 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 Pfizer's peers.

• Abbott Laboratories Com Stk NPV (NYSE: ABT): Hold with a $1.18 recent quarter EPS
• Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN): Moderate Buy with a $1.38 recent quarter EPS
• Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY): Hold with a $0.56 recent quarter EPS
• GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK): Hold with a $0.81 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: Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical company which develops and manufactures prescription medications for humans and animals.

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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