Illinois Tool Works Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue Over Last Quarter

Illinois Tool Works ITW announces its next round of earnings this Tuesday, July 26, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Illinois Tool Works' second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting a positive EPS reading of $1.02 per share and revenues of $4.69 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's EPS of 83 cents per share on revenues of $4.08 billion. Can Illinois Tool Works manage the estimated 22.9% rise in EPS and 15% increase in revenues as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Tuesday to find out.

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

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$0.84	$0.80	$0.82	$0.83
EPS Actual	$0.91	$0.79	$0.83	$0.83

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Illinois Tool Works were trading at $56.58. Shares are up 7.3% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 19.4%. 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 Illinois Tool Works is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other industrials companies are doing? Here are a few of Illinois Tool Works' peers in that sector.

• Dover DOV: Hold with a $0.92 recent quarter EPS
• Graco GGG: Hold with a $0.61 recent quarter EPS
• 3M Company MMM: Moderate Buy with a $1.49 recent quarter EPS
• Myers Industries MYE: Moderate Buy with a $0.20 recent quarter EPS

The machine industrial company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.2% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Illinois Tool Works manufactures a range of industrial products and equipment for the automotive, construction, electronics, food/beverage, packaging, power system, decorative surfaces, and medical industries.

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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