Having topped analysts' estimates last quarter by 2 cents per share, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is expected to deliver its latest earnings on Tuesday, July 24, 2012.

Expectations

Analysts currently expect Illinois Tool Works to come in with earnings of $1.10 per share on revenues of $4.87 billion. Analysts gave estimates ranging from $1.05 per share to $1.15 per share. Over the past three months, the average estimate has moved up from $1.08.

Stock Movement

The stock fell $2.39 per share between June 29, 2012 and July 17, 2012.

Company Fundamental Trends

This earnings announcement is definitely a chance to return to form after last quarter's profit drop broke a streak of income increases. Before falling in the first quarter, revenue rose 18.5% in the second quarter of the last fiscal year, 21.1% in the third quarter of the last fiscal year and 12.6% in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year. On the top line, the company is looking to build on four-straight revenue increases heading into this earnings announcement. Revenue rose 13.2% in the second quarter of the last fiscal year, 14% in the third quarter of the last fiscal year and 3.6% in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year before increasing again in the first quarter. Stock Ratings

Analysts are bullish on the stock as eight analysts rate it as a buy and only one analyst rate it as a sell. That rating hasn't budged in three months as the average analyst rating of the stock has remained steady.

Last Quarter's Results

In the first quarter, profit fell 22% to $486 million ($1 a share) from $623.1 million ($1.24 a share) the year earlier, but exceeded analyst expectations. Revenue rose 3.6% to $4.55 billion from $4.39 billion.

Summary

Reporting Period: 2Q

Date of Release: Tuesday, July 24, 2012

EPS: $1.10

Revenue Estimate: $4.87 billion

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