Earnings Preview: Baker Hughes' EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise

Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHI) releases 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:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.21/share and revenues of $5.17 billion. Baker Hughes' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 56 cents/share on revenues of $4.08 billion. Can the company manage the estimated 116.1% rise in EPS and 26.7% increase in revenues from the year-ago quarter as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Tuesday to find out.

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

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Baker Hughes were trading at $56.48. Shares are down 0.6% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 22.7%. 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 crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how Baker Hughes compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• Cameron International (NYSE: CAM): Moderate Buy with a $0.66 recent quarter EPS
• Flotek Industries (NYSE: FTK): Strong Buy with a $0.04 recent quarter EPS
• Halliburton Company (NYSE: HAL): Moderate Buy with a $0.94 recent quarter EPS
• Bolt Technology (NASDAQ: BOLT): Strong Buy

The oil-field services company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 4.7% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Baker Hughes provides products and services for the drilling and evaluation of oil and gas wells as well as fluids and chemicals and reservoir technology.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming Baker Hughes earnings report has any surprises. Also, come back to Benzinga after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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