Sempra Energy Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Falling Revenue, Rising EPS

Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) announces its next round of earnings this Thursday, November 3, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Sempra Energy's third quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.21/share and revenues of $2.06 billion. Sempra Energy's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.05/share on revenues of $2.12 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if the company falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an increase in EPS and a slight decline in revenue from the year-ago quarter.

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

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Sempra Energy were trading at $54.15. Shares are up 6.1% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 6.7%. 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 Hold. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Sempra Energy closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the utilities sector.

• AEGON (NYSE: AEG): Strong Buy with a -$0.06 recent quarter EPS
• Dominion Resources (NYSE: D): Hold with a $0.95 recent quarter EPS
• MDU Resources Group (NYSE: MDU): Hold with a $0.24 recent quarter EPS
• Gas Natural (EGAS): Strong Buy with a $0.04 recent quarter EPS

Sempra Energy is in the utility-gas distribution industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 2.4%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Sempra Energy is an energy services holding company. With its subsidiaries, the company provides electric, natural gas and other energy-rated products and services worldwide. It also focuses on developing energy infrastructure and operating utilities. .

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.

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