Global Industrial (NYSE:GIC) is preparing to announce its Q2 earnings report this Tuesday after market hours. Analysts are anticipating a revenue growth of 5.2% year-on-year, an improvement from the 3.2% increase recorded in the same quarter last year.

In the previous quarter, Global Industrial reported revenues of $350.4 million, marking a 9.2% increase compared to the same period last year. However, the company faced challenges, missing analysts' earnings per share (EPS) estimates significantly. This has raised questions about whether Global Industrial is a buy or sell as it approaches its earnings announcement.

Over the past 30 days, analysts have generally maintained their estimates, indicating confidence in the company’s performance heading into this earnings report. Despite this, Global Industrial has struggled with missed revenue estimates multiple times over the last two years.

Insights from peers in the maintenance and repair distributor sector suggest a mixed performance. For instance, WESCO reported a year-on-year revenue growth of 13%, surpassing analysts' expectations, while MSC Industrial saw a 7.8% revenue increase, also exceeding forecasts. Following these results, WESCO's stock rose by 11%, and MSC Industrial's shares increased by 3.2%.

Investors have been navigating various macroeconomic factors, including geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates. While some stocks in the maintenance and repair distributor sector have shown resilience, the overall group has underperformed, with average share prices down 5% in the last month. In contrast, Global Industrial's stock has risen by 9% during the same timeframe, with an average analyst price target of $40 compared to its current trading price of $35.27.