Continental Resources Earnings Preview: EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise

Continental Resources CLR releases its next round of earnings this Wednesday, August 3, 2011. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for this Wednesday's second quarter earnings announcement.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 61 cents per share and revenues of $371.4 million. Whether the reported numbers beat or miss analysts' estimates, they will also be compared against last year's numbers for the same period, which were a profit of 48 cents per share on revenues of $280 million. Can Continental Resources manage the estimated 27.1% rise in EPS and 32.6% increase in revenues from the year-ago quarter as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Wednesday to find out.

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

Stock Performance:

As of July 28, 2011, Continental Resources' current share price was $68.13. Shares are up 15.8% year to date.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Continental Resources is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has risen 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 Continental Resources' peers.

• Encore Energy ENP: Hold with a $0.29 recent quarter EPS
• GeoResources GEOI: Moderate Buy with a $0.29 recent quarter EPS
• Atlas Energy, L.P (ATLS): Hold with a $0.65 recent quarter EPS

The oil-US export and production company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 15.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Continental Resources is an independent crude oil and natural gas expl and production company with operations in the North, South and East regions of the United States.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming Continental Resources 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 Continental Resources, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here