W.W. Grainger, Inc. reported sales of $4.6 billion for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The company achieved an operating margin of 14.9%, although this represented a slight decline from the previous year. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $9.97, marking a 4.8% increase on a reported basis. The company generated $377 million in operating cash flow and returned $336 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Grainger's revenue growth was driven particularly by its Endless Assortment segment, which saw a 19.7% increase in sales, while its High-Touch Solutions segment experienced a more modest increase of 2.5%.
In light of current economic conditions and tariff-related impacts, Grainger updated its full-year 2025 guidance, lowering the adjusted diluted EPS range to between $38.50 and $40.25. The company noted that its gross profit margin decreased to 38.5% for the quarter, influenced by tariff-related inflation and inventory valuation challenges. Despite these headwinds, Grainger emphasized its ongoing commitment to customer service and innovation, positioning itself to create value for stakeholders amidst macroeconomic uncertainty.
linkAug 01, 2025 08:09:19
Grainger reported first-quarter sales of $4.3 billion, reflecting a 1.7% increase compared to the same period last year, with a 4.4% rise on a daily, constant currency basis. The company achieved diluted earnings per share of $9.86, marking a 2.5% increase from Q1 2024. Operating cash flow for the quarter was $646 million, and Grainger returned $380 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, including a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend.
The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance for 2025, projecting net sales between $17.6 billion and $18.1 billion and diluted earnings per share ranging from $39.00 to $41.50. Grainger noted that its operating margin for the quarter was 15.6%, slightly down from the previous year, while gross profit margin improved to 39.7%. The company highlighted continued challenges in demand but emphasized its commitment to delivering exceptional service and maintaining strong customer relationships.
linkMay 01, 2025 08:22:03
Grainger's fourth quarter results for 2024 show a sales increase of 5.9%, totaling $4.2 billion, with a notable 23.1% rise in diluted earnings per share (EPS) to $9.71. The company also achieved an operating margin of 15.0%, reflecting a 110 basis point improvement compared to the previous year. For the full year, sales reached $17.2 billion, marking a 4.2% increase, while operating cash flow was reported at $2.1 billion, with $1.6 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
On the downside, Grainger's full-year operating margin slightly declined by 20 basis points to 15.4%. Despite the overall growth in sales and earnings, the company faced a mixed performance in gross profit margins, which remained flat at 39.4% for the year. Additionally, the company reported higher capital expenditures of $541 million for the year, which could impact future cash flow. Overall, while Grainger delivered solid results in a challenging demand environment, there were areas of concern regarding margin pressures and increased investments.
linkJan 31, 2025 08:34:58
Grainger's third quarter results for 2024 showed sales of $4.4 billion, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year. The diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose by 4.7% to $9.87. Additionally, the company generated $611 million in operating cash flow and returned $328 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The High-Touch Solutions segment also saw a 3.3% sales increase, while the Endless Assortment segment reported an 8.1% rise in sales, largely due to strong performance with core B2B customers.
On the downside, Grainger's operating margin decreased to 15.6%, a drop of 30 basis points compared to the same quarter last year. The gross profit margin also declined by 10 basis points to 39.2%. The effective tax rate increased slightly to 24.8%, up from 24.4% in the previous year. Despite these challenges, the company remains focused on maintaining customer relationships and executing its goals.
linkOct 31, 2024 08:26:44
Grainger's second quarter 2024 sales reached $4.3 billion, a 3.1% increase, with adjusted earnings per share up 5.2%. The company generated strong cash flow and returned $345 million to shareholders. However, operating margins declined slightly, and Grainger narrowed its 2024 earnings outlook, reflecting a cautious approach in a stable demand environment. Overall, the results indicate resilience amidst challenges.
linkAug 01, 2024 08:16:51
Grainger's Q1 2024 sales increased by 3.5%, with diluted EPS up slightly. Operating margin slightly decreased, but the company generated strong operating cash flow. The firm reaffirmed its 2024 guidance, showing a strategic business focus amidst a steady demand environment.
linkApr 25, 2024 08:22:28
Grainger reported solid Q4 and full year 2023 results with sales growth of 5.1% and 8.2% respectively. Operating margin increased, diluted EPS grew, and plans for a new distribution center were announced. However, gross profit margin declined in Q4, attributed to various factors. The company also achieved $2.0 billion in operating cash flow and returned $1.2 billion to shareholders. The CEO expressed commitment to delivering value for customers, strong results for shareholders, and an engaging culture for team members in 2024.
linkFeb 02, 2024 08:24:35
W.W. Grainger, Inc. appoints Chris Klein, a seasoned leader, to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in corporate strategy, consumer branding, and technology development. The company expresses optimism about Klein's impact on understanding customer and market dynamics. Grainger now has 13 members on its Board of Directors, and continues to focus on serving its 4.5 million customers worldwide with innovative technology and deep customer relationships.
linkDec 13, 2023 16:47:43
Grainger reported strong results for the third quarter of 2023, with sales of $4.2 billion, up 6.7% compared to the same period last year, and diluted EPS of $9.43, up 14.1%. The company narrowed its full-year 2023 guidance range, expecting daily sales growth between 8.5% to 9.5% and diluted EPS of $36.00 to $36.60. Gross profit margin increased by 80 basis points to 39.3%, and operating earnings were $667 million, up 10.7%. The effective tax rate decreased to 24.4%. Grainger generated $523 million in operating cash flow and returned $287 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
linkOct 26, 2023 08:31:09