W.W. Grainger Inc NYSE:GWW Price, Chart, News & Insight

Grainger Jumps 7% as Strong Quarter and Raised Guidance Reassure Investors

Chicago, May 7, 2026 — Shares in W.W. Grainger climbed 7% today after the industrial supply company delivered a first quarter that beat on all key metrics and raised its full-year outlook, offering investors a rare dose of clarity in an uncertain macroeconomic environment.

Grainger reported Q1 2026 sales of $4.7 billion, up 10.1% year-over-year, or 12.2% on a daily organic constant currency basis after stripping out the impact of its exit from the U.K. market and foreign exchange movements. Operating earnings rose 18% to $793 million, with operating margin expanding 110 basis points to 16.7%. Diluted EPS of $11.65 came in 18.2% above the prior year quarter, helped by strong operating performance and a lower share count.

Both business segments contributed. The High-Touch Solutions North America segment grew sales 10.5%, driven by volume growth and the pass-through of tariff-related price inflation. The Endless Assortment segment was the standout, with sales up nearly 20%, or 21.9% on an organic constant currency basis, fueled by strong performance at both MonotaRO in Japan and Zoro in the U.S. Gross margin held firm at 40.0%, up 30 basis points, as favorable product mix and freight costs offset broader cost pressures.

Cash generation was equally impressive. Operating cash flow reached $739 million for the quarter, with free cash flow of $569 million after capital expenditures. The company returned $345 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, and announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend.

What likely drove the outsized stock reaction was the guidance raise. Full-year net sales guidance was lifted to $19.2 to $19.6 billion from $18.7 to $19.1 billion, and diluted EPS guidance moved up to $44.25 to $46.25. In an environment where many companies are pulling or trimming guidance due to tariff and geopolitical uncertainty, Grainger's willingness to raise numbers sent a clear signal of confidence.

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European Investor 05-07-26

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $2.49 per share, an increase of 10% from the most recent company dividend. The dividend is payable on June 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on May 11, 2026.

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Global Finance News 04-29-26

W.W. Grainger, Inc. hosted its biennial Grainger Show in Orlando, bringing together more than 10,000 customers, suppliers, and industry leaders to address operational challenges and emerging innovations in the MRO sector.

The event featured seminars, roundtables, and live demonstrations focused on improving supply chain efficiency, reducing downtime, enhancing workplace safety, and leveraging AI-driven tools.

Grainger also recognized top-performing partners through its “Partners in Performance” awards, naming Klein Tools as Supplier of the Year and Essity as New Supplier of the Year.

The company said the event underscores its strategy of supporting customers with practical solutions and innovation to improve productivity, cost control, and operational resilience.
PRNewswire

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European Investor 03-28-26

W.W. Grainger, Inc. reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results showing continued sales growth despite a challenging macro environment, while margins and reported earnings declined year over year.

Fourth-quarter sales rose 4.5% to $4.4 billion, with daily organic constant-currency growth of 4.6%. Operating margin was 14.3%, down 70 basis points, and diluted EPS fell 2.8% to $9.44. For full-year 2025, sales increased 4.5% to $17.9 billion, while reported operating margin declined to 13.9% and diluted EPS decreased 8.6% to $35.40. On an adjusted basis, excluding the U.K. exit and restructuring costs, EPS rose 1.3% to $39.48.

Grainger generated $2.0 billion in operating cash flow during the year and returned $1.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company issued its 2026 outlook, forecasting daily organic constant-currency sales growth of 6.5% to 9.0%.

Source: W.W. Grainger, Inc. press release

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WS Investor 02-03-26

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW) today announced its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $2.26 per share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 9, 2026.

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WS Investor 01-28-26

Grainger Reports Q3 2025 Results; Narrows Full-Year Outlook Amid U.K. Exit

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW) announced third-quarter 2025 sales of $4.7 billion, up 6.1% year-over-year (5.4% on a daily, constant currency basis). The company delivered adjusted diluted EPS of $10.21, a 3.4% increase, while reported EPS fell 38% to $6.12 due to a non-cash impairment loss tied to its planned exit from the U.K. market and divestiture of the Cromwell business.

Operating performance:
• Reported operating earnings: $511 million, down 25.5%
• Adjusted operating earnings: $707 million, up 3.1%
• Adjusted operating margin: 15.2%, down 40 basis points
• Gross profit margin: 38.6%, down 60 basis points
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By segment, High-Touch Solutions – North America grew 3.4%, supported by volume gains and improved pricing, while Endless Assortment surged 18.2% (14.6% constant currency), led by strong results at MonotaRO and Zoro.

Tax and cash flow:
The effective tax rate rose to 34.7% (24.8% adjusted), primarily reflecting the Cromwell divestiture’s non-deductible loss. Operating cash flow reached $597 million, with free cash flow of $339 million after $258 million in capital expenditures. Grainger returned $399 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

Outlook:
Grainger narrowed its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to $39.00–$39.75, reflecting continued confidence in execution despite near-term headwinds. CEO D.G. Macpherson emphasized Grainger’s focus on “strong execution, industry-leading service, and innovation” to sustain stakeholder value amid a challenging environment.

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The Investor 10-31-25

W.W. Grainger Declares Quarterly Dividend of $2.26 per Share

W.W. Grainger (NYSE: GWW) announced that its board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $2.26 per share, payable on December 1, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 10, 2025. The company reaffirmed its commitment to long-term shareholder value and disciplined capital allocation.

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The Investor 10-29-25

Grainger Reports Q2 2025 Results, Lowers Full-Year Outlook

Grainger posted second-quarter 2025 sales of $4.6 billion, a 5.6% year-over-year increase. Adjusted diluted EPS rose 2.2% to $9.97, while operating margin slipped 50 basis points to 14.9% on an adjusted basis.

The company generated $377 million in operating cash flow and returned $336 million to shareholders. Due to tariff-related impacts, Grainger lowered its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $38.50–$40.25.

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WS Investor 08-01-25

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW) today announced its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $2.26 per share. The dividend is payable on September 1, 2025, to shareholders of record on August 11, 2025.

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The Investor 07-30-25

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Global Finance News 06-23-25

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