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

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, November 3, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to Duke Energy's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS of 47 cents/share and revenues of $4.06 billion. Duke Energy's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 51 cents/share on revenues of $3.95 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if the company reports a decline in EPS and a small boost in revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are predicting.

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

Stock Performance:

Shares of Duke Energy were trading at $20.46 as of October 28, 2011. Since January 1st, shares have given investors a return of 19.6%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 20.6%. 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 Sell. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

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

• American Electric Power Company (NYSE: AEP): Hold with a $1.17 recent quarter EPS
• ALLETE (NYSE: ALE): Moderate Buy with a $0.48 recent quarter EPS
• Dominion Resources (NYSE: D): Hold with a $0.95 recent quarter EPS
• DPL (NYSE: DPL): Hold with a $0.70 recent quarter EPS

The utility-electric power company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 26.8% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Duke Energy offers electric power and gas distribution operations and other energy services in North and South America.

Take Action:

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

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