NextEra Energy Earnings Preview: Revenue, EPS Expected to Fall

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) unveils its next round of earnings this Friday, November 4, 2011. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for this Friday's third quarter earnings announcement.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS of $1.42/share and revenues of $4.44 billion. NextEra Energy's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.45/share on revenues of $4.69 billion. Investors are bracing themselves for Friday when we'll learn if the company reports lower EPS and slightly reduced 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:

As of October 31, 2011, NextEra Energy's current share price was $56.40. Since January 1st, shares have given investors a return of 11.8%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 11.4%. 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 NextEra Energy's peers.

• American Electric Power Company (NYSE: AEP): Hold with a $1.17 recent quarter EPS
• Constellation Energy Group (NYSE: CEG): Hold with a $0.68 recent quarter EPS
• El Paso Electric Company (NYSE: EE): Hold with a $0.78 recent quarter EPS
• Entergy (NYSE: ETR): Hold with a $1.76 recent quarter EPS

NextEra Energy is in the utility-electric power industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 26.8%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: NextEra Energy provides electricity-related services through two operating subsidiaries, FPL and FPL Energy.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming NextEra 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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