World energy use is expected to increase 56% between 2010 and 2040, according to the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) newly released International Energy Outlook 2013.

In a shift from the status quo, demand over the next three decades will overwhelmingly originate from developing and emerging economies. Non-OECD countries are expected to increase energy consumption by 90%, compared to just 17% for OECD countries. Worldwide, industries are expected to continue to consume more than half of total energy demanded.

Source: EIA.gov 

The EIA made sure to note in its latest report that the recovery from the 2008-2009 global recession introduces a large measure of uncertainty into any long-term predictions. World energy markets are highly dependent on the overall economy, and vice versa. The Administration specifically notes debt issues in the U.S. and Europe, as well as China and India's recent slowing in GDP growth.

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Under Armour  flexed their muscles in a big way today, finishing the trading session with a 12% gain after Under Armour beat analyst expectations on both top and bottom lines, before the opening bell.

So what: The fitness-apparel company posted revenue of $454.5 million for its second quarter, a 23% year-over-year improvement that came in above Wall Street's $449-million consensus. Under Armour's earnings of $0.16 per share was also $0.02 better than the consensus. This momentum was good enough for Under Armour to raise its fiscal-year revenue projection to the $2.23 billion to $2.25 billion range, which now bests the Street's $2.24 consensus. Earlier projections in the $2.21 billion to $2.23 billion were not up to snuff in that regard.

Now what: Under Armour has certainly been a great competitor in many investors' portfolios, and shares are once again nudging toward all-time highs. However, the company is hardly cheap with a 60-plus P/E, and the growth of Under Armour's share price has, by now, far exceeded the growth of its earnings over the past five years (and over shorter time frames, as well). Investors should pause to consider whether or not the company can really muster enough earnings growth to catch up with its share price. If not, it could be time to put this stock on the bench.

Want more news and updates? Add Under Armour to your Watchlist now.

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Strayer Education dropped 12% after the company released earnings.

So what: Revenue fell 10% in the second quarter, to $132.0 million, and net income fell 29%, to $15.0 million, or $1.42 per share. Both figures were better than estimates, but the trend of lower enrollment and revenue has investors selling shares today. 

Now what: The most concerning data point is that enrollment was down 13% for the summer term for Strayer. New student enrollment was down a whopping 17%, which doesn't bode well for earnings going forward. Momentum is clearly against the company, and even though shares trade at 12.5 times forward earnings estimates, this stock looks like a value trap to me.

Interested in more info on Strayer Education? Add it to your watchlist by clicking here.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals will release its quarterly report on Monday, and investors have gotten increasingly excited about its growth prospects in some of its most promising treatments. Even though Vertex earnings aren't likely to turn profitable in the near future, investors believe that the long-term impact of getting its prospects through the pipeline will eventually pay off in big profits.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a couple of approved drugs, including its Kalydeco cystic fibrosis drug and its Incivek treatment for hepatitis C. But it also has some promising prospects in the development stage. With the company having reported some positive study results during the quarter, Vertex saw its shares soar as more investors got aboard the biotech's bandwagon. Let's take an early look at what's been happening with Vertex Pharmaceuticals over the past quarter and what we're likely to see in its quarterly report.

Stats on Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Source: Yahoo! Finance.

When will prospects pay off for Vertex earnings?
Just looking at analyst expectations, views on Vertex earnings have posted some wild swings in recent months. Analysts have narrowed their loss estimates for the June quarter by $0.04 per share, but they've predicted a loss for the full year that's more than double what they expected a few months back. The stock, though, has soared, rising 57% since mid-April.

Just about all of Vertex's share-price gains came as a result of favorable mid-stage study results in its combination trial of cystic fibrosis treatments. The company has been testing a combination of its previously approved Kalydeco with its developmental drug VX-661, and the April results showed improved lung-exhalation capacity that as much as tripled the improvement of a placebo. With few drugs targeting cystic fibrosis and almost half of patients suffering from the particular mutation that the study targeted, Vertex could well have identified a blockbuster in the space. Moreover, with an ongoing phase 3 trial of another developmental drug, VX-809, in combination with Kalydeco, Vertex has a couple of swings at a new hit.

Yet Vertex faces some trouble in its hepatitis C market. Its approved drug Incivek was seen as a potential blockbuster when it was approved in 2011, but sales have been on the decline. With Gilead Sciences having reported 95% cure rates from its phase 2 trials of its combination hepatitis C treatment involving drugs sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, the prospect of an all-oral combination drug could lead to further declines for the injectable Incivek. Yet Vertex has its own all-oral treatment in studies, and with royalties coming from Johnson & Johnson as a result of their collaboration on the hep C drug Incivo, Vertex gains some greater exposure to international markets where J&J has boosted its availability recently.

In evaluating Vertex earnings, be sure to watch for the latest development-program progress reports. Even though existing drugs provide solid revenue for the company, it'll be essential for Vertex to add new products in order to maintain its success.

Click here to add Vertex Pharmaceuticals to My Watchlist, which can find all of our Foolish analysis on it and all your other stocks.

3M (NYS: MMM) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), 3M met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue increased slightly. GAAP earnings per share grew.

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
3M reported revenue of $7.75 billion. The 11 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $7.77 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $1.71. The 16 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.71 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.71 for Q2 were 3.0% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.66 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 48.2%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 22.0%, 90 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 15.4%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $7.90 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.78.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $31.06 billion. The average EPS estimate is $6.70.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 4,433 members out of 4,590 rating the stock outperform, and 157 members rating it underperform. Among 1,367 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 1,350 give 3M a green thumbs-up, and 17 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on 3M is hold, with an average price target of $110.19.

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Raytheon (NYS: RTN) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Raytheon beat expectations on revenues and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded slightly. Non-GAAP earnings per share grew significantly. GAAP earnings per share increased.

Gross margins shrank, operating margins grew, net margins increased.

Revenue details
Raytheon booked revenue of $6.12 billion. The 17 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw a top line of $5.81 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $1.64. The 19 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $1.31 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $1.64 for Q2 were 16% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.41 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.50 for Q2 were 6.4% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.41 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 22.3%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.5%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.0%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $5.84 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.31.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $23.52 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.44.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Raytheon is hold, with an average price target of $63.53.

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Colgate-Palmolive (NYS: CL) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Colgate-Palmolive met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue increased slightly. Non-GAAP earnings per share grew. GAAP earnings per share dropped.

Gross margins grew, operating margins dropped, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
Colgate-Palmolive recorded revenue of $4.35 billion. The 14 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for sales of $4.38 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.70. The 18 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.70 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.70 for Q2 were 4.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.67 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.60 for Q2 were 7.7% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.65 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 58.3%, 60 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.8%, 250 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 12.9%, 180 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $4.49 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.73.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $17.61 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.98.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,334 members out of 1,382 rating the stock outperform, and 48 members rating it underperform. Among 489 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 480 give Colgate-Palmolive a green thumbs-up, and nine give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Colgate-Palmolive is hold, with an average price target of $60.61.

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Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, global mining giant Freeport-McMoRan has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Freeport and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Freeport facts

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 97% of the 6,014 members who have rated Freeport believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.   

Bouncing about its 52 week low. The recovery now underway could spell improving copper prices for this miner. VERY attractive P/E and [dividend yield] on paper may not be the going forward metrics, but offers some prospects of downside support.

General Motors (NYS: GM) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), General Motors met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded slightly. Non-GAAP earnings per share dropped. GAAP earnings per share dropped significantly.

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
General Motors booked revenue of $38.24 billion. The 10 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated revenue of $38.35 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.84. The 18 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.76 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.84 for Q2 were 6.7% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.90 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.75 for Q2 were 17% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.90 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 12.0%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 4.5%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.6%, 130 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $39.25 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.98.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $155.17 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.32.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 864 members out of 1,075 rating the stock outperform, and 211 members rating it underperform. Among 225 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 190 give General Motors a green thumbs-up, and 35 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on General Motors is outperform, with an average price target of $40.33.

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Under Armour (NYS: UA) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Under Armour beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew significantly. GAAP earnings per share increased significantly.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
Under Armour recorded revenue of $454.5 million. The 25 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $449.0 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 23% higher than the prior-year quarter's $369.5 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.16. The 31 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.13 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.16 for Q2 were 167% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.06 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 48.3%, 240 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 7.1%, 390 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.9%, 210 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $708.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.70.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.24 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.47.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 2,787 members out of 3,036 rating the stock outperform, and 249 members rating it underperform. Among 1,036 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 1,000 give Under Armour a green thumbs-up, and 36 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Under Armour is outperform, with an average price target of $60.88.

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Encana (NYS: ECA) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Encana crushed expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded significantly. Non-GAAP earnings per share expanded significantly. GAAP earnings per share grew.

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
Encana booked revenue of $1.98 billion. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted sales of $1.46 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were much higher than the prior-year quarter's $731.0 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.34. The 16 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.18 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.34 for Q2 were 26% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.27 per share. GAAP EPS were $0.99 for Q2 versus -$2.01 per share for the prior-year quarter.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 64.6%, much better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 40.0%, much better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 36.8%, much better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.53 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.28.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $5.97 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.94.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,098 members out of 1,129 rating the stock outperform, and 31 members rating it underperform. Among 195 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 190 give Encana a green thumbs-up, and five give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Encana is hold, with an average price target of $21.40.

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Southwest Airlines (NYS: LUV) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Southwest Airlines met expectations on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew slightly. Non-GAAP earnings per share expanded. GAAP earnings per share grew.

Gross margins increased, operating margins dropped, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
Southwest Airlines reported revenue of $4.64 billion. The 10 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see a top line of $4.65 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.38. The 15 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.39 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.38 for Q2 were 5.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.36 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.31 for Q2 were 3.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.30 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 25.7%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.9%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.8%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $4.45 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.28.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $17.56 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.99.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,536 members out of 1,797 rating the stock outperform, and 261 members rating it underperform. Among 406 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 358 give Southwest Airlines a green thumbs-up, and 48 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Southwest Airlines is outperform, with an average price target of $15.18.

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Following what it referred to as, "unusual and substantial activity in the Company's shares," Air Products & Chemicals has implemented a shareholder rights plan, whereby each Air Products shareholder will receive a dividend of one warrant for each current share of stock owned on Aug. 5, 2013, the company announced today.

The Air Products rights plan is akin to a poison pill, which is structured to make an unsolicited takeover of the company prohibitively expense.

In this case, the warrants received as part of the rights plan are exercisable if "a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10 percent (or 20 percent in the case of institutional investors filing on Schedule 13G as described in the Rights Plan)," without approval of the Air Products' board, according to the press release. The same shareholder rights apply in the case of a merger.

Should the unapproved stock ownership percentage threshold be met, the warrants become exercisable, giving each shareholder the right to purchase "common shares having a market value of twice such price," the company said.

The Air Products shareholder rights plan is not in response to a takeover inquiry or proposal to acquire the company, according to Air Products, and will remain in force until July 24, 2014.

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (NYS: POT) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan missed estimates on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue contracted. GAAP earnings per share grew significantly.

Gross margins dropped, operating margins dropped, net margins grew.

Revenue details
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan logged revenue of $2.00 billion. The 16 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected sales of $2.15 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 12% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.27 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.73. The 25 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.80 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.73 for Q2 were 22% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.60 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 49.0%, 370 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 41.9%, 490 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 32.2%, 920 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.97 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.74.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.90 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.88.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 4,768 members out of 4,940 rating the stock outperform, and 172 members rating it underperform. Among 719 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 689 give Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan a green thumbs-up, and 30 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan is outperform, with an average price target of $46.52.

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SIRIUS XM Radio (NAS: SIRI) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), SIRIUS XM Radio met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded. GAAP earnings per share dropped significantly.

Gross margins grew, operating margins expanded, net margins contracted.

Revenue details
SIRIUS XM Radio chalked up revenue of $941.9 million. The 12 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see a top line of $937.1 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 12% higher than the prior-year quarter's $837.5 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.02. The 13 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.02 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.02 for Q2 were 96% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.48 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 57.5%, 690 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 28.5%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 13.4%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $966.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.02.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.79 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.09.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 4,589 members out of 5,567 rating the stock outperform, and 978 members rating it underperform. Among 802 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 611 give SIRIUS XM Radio a green thumbs-up, and 191 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on SIRIUS XM Radio is outperform, with an average price target of $3.66.

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Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you'd like to add some real-estate stocks to your portfolio, but don't have the time or expertise to handpick a few, the Vanguard REIT Index ETF could save you a lot of trouble. Instead of trying to figure out which companies will perform best, you can use this ETF to invest in lots of them simultaneously.

The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The Vanguard ETF's expense ratio -- its annual fee -- is a very low 0.10%. It also offers a significant dividend yield, recently near 3.6%.

This ETF has performed well, outstripping the world market over the past three, and five, years. As with most investments, of course, we can't expect outstanding performances in every quarter or year. Investors with conviction need to wait for their holdings to deliver.

Why real estate?
Perhaps because there's a finite amount of it, real estate tends to increase in value over time, though not always in a straight line. Real estate investment trusts (REITs), meanwhile, offer an extra benefit, via their requirement to pay out at least 90% of their income in the form of dividends.

More than a handful of real-estate companies had solid performances over the past year. Duke Realty surged 27%, for example, and yields 3.9%. The company specializes in industrial, health-care, and office properties. Its revenue hasn't been growing much in recent years, though, and its bottom line has been in the red (with a gain in the last quarter). The company's latest earnings report will be out next week, and its last one revealed rising occupancy levels and core funds from operations (FFO), as well as the refinancing of debt. Management has explained that it's repositioning its assets, in part by selling off suburban office properties.

Health Care REIT gained 13%, and yields 4.5%. It acquired Sunrise Senior Living, boosting its elder-care facility portfolio with units that command above-average rental rates. Meanwhile, same-store margins and occupancy rates have been growing. Obamacare will boost the number of people receiving medical care, and that's likely to help REITs such as this one, which focus on health-care properties. The REIT has grown aggressively via acquisitions, and now sports a market cap above $17 billion. That means, though, that its growth rate is likely to slow.

Realty Income advanced 12%, and yields 4.7%. It's a retail REIT, and rather dependable, recently upping its payout for the 72nd time since it went public in 1994, and making more than 500 consecutive monthly payments over several decades. The company just announced record operating results in its second quarter, with revenue jumping 63%, and FFO per share gained 22%. Occupancy rates rose, too, from 97%, to 98%. Recent acquisitions include American Realty Capital Trust. Trading near its 52-week high, it's not a screaming bargain right now.

Other companies didn't do as well last year, but could see their fortunes change in the coming years. HCP , focused on health-care properties, tacked on just 2%, and yields 4.5%. Like Health Care REIT, it has grown rather large (with a market capitalization topping $20 billion), and that can slow its growth rate. Some worry about health-care reforms possibly reducing profits from senior-serving properties, but HCP is relatively well positioned, with a significant portion of its patients paying for their own care. Another of its advantages is its focus on triple-net leases, where tenants pay for operating expenses.

The big picture
Demand for real estate isn't going away anytime soon. A well-chosen ETF can grant you instant diversification across any industry or group of companies -- and make investing in and profiting from it that much easier.

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Tempur Sealy International were getting squashed today, falling as much as 13% after delivering a disappointing second-quarter earnings report.

So what: The recently merged mattress maker said revenue doubled, thanks to the addition of Sealy, hitting $660.6 million, but that missed the Street's forecast at $662.8 million. Earnings per share also came up short at $0.36, against expectations of $0.40. Even worse, the company lowered its full-year EPS guidance to $2.25-$2.40 from $2.43-$2.45, as management said it's "taking longer than expected" to return the company to growth following the acquisition. Sales from continuing operations dropped 4.9% in the quarter.

Now what: The acquisition of Sealy was supposed to re-energize the company, but management still sees sales at the legacy Tempur North America falling 5% to 10%. The mattress industry may be due for further consolidation following the merger, as several players are competing for what appears to be a shrinking pie. Tempur-Pedic once dominated the market with its Memoryfoam mattress, but rivals have caught up in recent quarters. I'd approach the entire industry with caution, especially Tempur Sealy, which has now missed estimates several times of late.