ConocoPhillips Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue - ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), BP (NYSE:BP)

ConocoPhillips COP releases its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of $2.16/share and revenues of $63.18 billion. ConocoPhillips' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.50/share on revenues of $47.21 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if ConocoPhillips falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter.

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

Quarter	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$2.20	$1.97	$1.31	$1.46
EPS Actual	$2.41	$1.82	$1.32	$1.50

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of ConocoPhillips were trading at $70.27. Shares are up 7% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 20.1%. 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 for ConocoPhillips is a Hold. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

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

Chevron CVX: Moderate Buy with a $3.85 recent quarter EPS
Hess HES: Moderate Buy with a $1.78 recent quarter EPS
Marathon Oil MRO: Hold with a $0.96 recent quarter EPS
BP p.l.c (BP): Moderate Buy with a $1.89 recent quarter EPS

ConocoPhillips is in the integrated oil-US industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.1%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: An international energy company, ConocoPhillips operates under six segments: exploration and production, midstream, refining and marketing, LUKOIL investment, chemicals, and emerging businesses.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at ConocoPhillips' upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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