Lockheed Martin Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue - Boeing (NYSE:BA)

Lockheed Martin LMT announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to Lockheed Martin's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.81/share and revenues of $11.73 billion. Lockheed Martin's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.55/share on revenues of $11.38 billion. Can Lockheed Martin manage the estimated 16.8% rise in EPS and 3.1% 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:

Quarter	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$1.94	$1.51	$2.20	$1.58
EPS Actual	$2.06	$1.55	$2.38	$1.55

Stock Performance:

As of October 20, 2011, Lockheed Martin's current share price was $75.70. Shares are up 11.5% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 11.2%. 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 Lockheed Martin is a Hold. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of Lockheed Martin closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the industrials sector.

Alliant Techsystems ATK: Hold with a $2.02 recent quarter EPS
Boeing Company BA: Moderate Buy with a $1.25 recent quarter EPS
General Dynamics GD: Moderate Buy with a $1.79 recent quarter EPS

The aerospace/defense company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 0.9% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Lockheed Martin is a global security company that develops and manufactures advanced technology systems and products.

Take Action:

There is your peek into Lockheed Martin's upcoming earnings numbers, including some competitors to watch around the time of the announcement. Check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap. In the meantime, here are some links to explore today.

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