Earnings Preview: Sysco's EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise

Sysco (NYSE: SYY) announces its next round of earnings this Monday, August 15, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Sysco's fourth quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 57 cents/share and revenues of $10.36 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 53 cents/share on revenues of $10.35 billion.

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

Stock Performance:

Shares of Sysco were trading at $29 as of August 9, 2011. Shares are up 1.3% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 13%. 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 Sysco is a Hold. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

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

• Nash-Finch Company (NASDAQ: NAFC): Hold with a $0.92 recent quarter EPS
• Spartan Stores (NASDAQ: SPTN): Moderate Buy with a $0.29 recent quarter EPS
• Core-Mark Holding Company (CORE): Strong Buy with a $0.81 recent quarter EPS

Sysco is in the food items-wholesale industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.5%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Sysco, through its subsidiaries and divisions, is a distributor of food and related products.

Take Action:

Now that you're fully prepared, get ready to take quick action if the company reports any numbers significantly different from those listed above. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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