Apple Inc. isn’t the only company reporting its earnings today though the media blitz suggests otherwise. Right in the middle of earnings season today is a busy day with lotss of companies reporting. Here are our top non-Apple picks.
Amgen Inc. (NYSE:AMGN) is the world’s biggest biotechnology medicine company. Analysts are expecting earnings per share of $1.46 on revenue of $3.94 billion. Last year the firm reported an EPS of $1.34 on revenues of $3.71 billion. The company is concentrating on its investors, initiating a buy back program and a dividend in the past year.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) follows on the back of Verizon’s, its main competitor, strong results last Thursday. It is expected the company will show earnings per share of 57 cent the same as last year’s figures. Revenues for the company seem to be rising slightly however. Analysts expect $31.84 billion compared to last years $31.2 billion. The firm faces challenges from all sides, with labor threatening a strike, subsidizing costs on handsets crippling and capital costs of network upgrades really taking their toll. Those problems coupled with hard hitting competition mean AT&T faces some tough times in its struggle to come out on top.
Baidu.com Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:BIDU) the Chinese web search provider is expected to post positive results today as that market sees vast expansion in footfall. Analysts are projecting that the company will land earnings per share of 83 cents per share on revenue of $677.5 million. This type of web service, essentially a Google clone in a market somewhat cut off from Google, is a safer bet than most start ups and investors seem to agree. The business model has been tested and has been proven to work at least in the medium term. Baidu’s shares will open at 139.66 later today.
3M Co. (NYSE:MMM) one of the world’s leading technology and innovation companies is also set to announce later on. Analysts expect slightly disappointing results from the firm, an EPS of $1.48 per share compared to $1.49 earned in the same period in 2011. The company’s stock sits on the higher side of its range at the moment at 87.13. That seems a steady figure for the company assuming now huge surprise in today’s numbers.
Coach Inc. (NYSE:COH) the accessories and clothing company is forecast to show positive results when it reports earnings. Analysts were expecting the company to post 75 cents earnings per share on revenue of $1.1 billion. Most of the increase in sales is supposed to come from China where the brand has done particularly well. Coach, though operating on the high end, sells its products for lower prices than other major fashion houses making them a darling in emerging markets.
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY), one of the world’s most famous makers of chocolate is to post its earnings amid reports of strong sales in a recovering consumer economy. Analyst are looking for 81 cents earnings per share on revenue of around $1.66 billion. Last years earnings came in at 72 cents per share on revenue of just $1.56 billion. The firm is doing well in a competitive market and its sales growth should continue as disposable income expands.
Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE:JNPR), a communications technology company, is expected to post less than inspiring numbers today when its turn comes around. The firm will only show a profit of 7 cents per share according to analysts. That compares with 25 cents a year ago. The company’s revenue is expected to fall from last year’s $1.1 billion to analyst estimates of $977.9 million.
Lexmark International Inc. (NYSE:LXK), the printing and imaging firm will also announce its earnings later today. Analysts forecast the company will take in revenues of $1.05 compared to last year’s $1.14. The firm’s revenues are expected to fall year on year from $1.03 in 2011 to $986.4 million in this quarter. Lexmark has had a hard run of late with declining revenues and declining profits. Most analysts seem to think it is a temporary change however and it will return in future to past heights.
McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) the publishing and information and data provider is expected to announce a quarterly earning of 49 cents per share contrasting with last year’s figure of 39 cents per share. The firm’s revenues are expected to similarly increase. Analysts expect today’s numbers to be around $1.32 billion for the first quarter while last year the company only managed to take in $1.28 billion in sales. Revenue growth has not been as strong as hoped for the company though many are willing to overlook that going forward.
RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) is not looking too good today. Analysts expect earnings for the firm to fall to an earnings of 5 cents per share compared with last year’s 35 cents per share. The firm has not had a good year and it is written plainly on those numbers. Revenue is expected to stay in line at $1.06 billion. The firm is one of the United State’s largest sellers of consumer electronics and components.
United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is expected to put confidence in investors. Earnings, according to analyst consensus will be 49 cents per share compared to last year’s loss of 60 cents per share. The firm is fighting back and its revenues are up from last year’s $4.86 billion to $4.95 billion. The company is one of America’s largest metal and metal product producers. It is growing on the improved consumer climate and export trade. The turn around in the last year has been wonderful and long may it continue for the steel company.
