M&T Bank Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue, Falling EPS - Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), Evans Bancorp (AMEX:EVBN)

M&T Bank MTB announces its next round of earnings this Monday, January 9, 2012. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for M&T Bank's fourth quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of $1.47/share and revenues of $992.7 million. M&T Bank's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.52/share on revenues of $861 million. We'll have to wait for Monday to see if the company reports a decline in EPS and a 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:

Quarter	Q3	Q2	Q1	Q4
EPS Estimate	$1.67	$1.53	$1.41	$1.45
EPS Actual	$1.53	$2.09	$1.67	$1.52

(Estimates Source: Zacks)

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of M&T Bank were trading at $78.04. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 2.3%. 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. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Wondering how M&T Bank compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

Bank of America BAC: Hold with a $0.28 recent quarter EPS
Evans Bancorp EVBN: Strong Buy with a $0.47 recent quarter EPS
First Community Bancshares FCBC: Hold with a $0.28 recent quarter EPS
PNC Financial Services PNC: Moderate Buy with a $1.55 recent quarter EPS

The banks-major regional company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 4.8% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: M&T Bank offers commercial and retail banking services, including loans and deposits, mortgage banking, trust, asset management, insurance, and other financial services.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peek at M&T Bank's upcoming earnings numbers, keep an eye out for any surprises in the report and be ready to take action. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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