Verizon Communications 2Q Earnings Pregame Scorecard

Having exceeded expectations last quarter by 2 cents per share, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is scheduled to report again on Thursday.

Expectations

Analysts currently expect Verizon Communications to come in with earnings of 64 cents per share on revenues of $28.55 billion. Estimates from analysts range from 61 cents per share to 66 cents per share. Over the past three months, the average estimate has moved up from 63 cents.

Last Quarter's Results

In the first quarter, profit rose 17.2% to $1.69 billion (59 cents a share) from $1.44 billion (51 cents a share) the year earlier, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose 4.6% to $28.24 billion from $26.99 billion.

Stock Ratings

Analysts think investors should stand pat on Verizon Communications with 17 of 30 analysts rating it hold. Analyst sentiment has been waning recently, as the average rating has dropped slightly over the past three months.

Stock Movement

In terms of price changes, the stock's best recent streak was when it gained $2.52 per share between June 1, 2012 and June 15, 2012. Looking at change over the last three months, from April 18, 2012 and July 13, 2012, the stock price is up $7.55 (20%), from $37.66 to $45.21.

Company Fundamental Trends On the top line, the company is looking to build on four-straight revenue increases heading into this earnings announcement. Revenue rose 2.8% in the second quarter of the last fiscal year, 5.4% in the third quarter of the last fiscal year and 7.7% in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year before increasing again in the first quarter.

Summary

Reporting Period: 2Q

Date of Release: Thursday, July 19, 2012 before market open

EPS: 64 cents

Revenue Estimate: $28.55 billion

(Company fundamentals by Xignite Financials. Earnings estimates provided by Zacks)