Dow Chemical Company Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

Dow Chemical Company DOW announces its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 27, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Dow Chemical Company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS of 64 cents/share and revenues of $14.63 billion. Dow Chemical Company's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 54 cents/share on revenues of $12.87 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Dow Chemical Company 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	$0.80	$0.67	$0.35	$0.41
EPS Actual	$0.85	$0.82	$0.47	$0.54

Stock Performance:

Shares of Dow Chemical Company were trading at $27.24 as of October 21, 2011. Since January 1st, shares of Dow Chemical Company have declined 18.5%. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 10.5%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Dow Chemical Company is a Hold. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

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 Dow Chemical Company's peers.

• Albemarle ALB: Hold with a $1.23 recent quarter EPS
• Ashland ASH: Moderate Buy with a $0.92 recent quarter EPS
• E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company DD: Moderate Buy with a $1.37 recent quarter EPS
• Eastman Chemical Company EMN: Moderate Buy with a $1.38 recent quarter EPS

The chemicals-diversified company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.1% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Dow Chemical produces chemicals, plastic materials, agricultural, advanced materials, and other products and services, including insurance.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Dow Chemical Company'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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