W.W. Grainger, Inc.

NYSE:GWW Stock Report

Market Cap: US$58.3b

W.W. Grainger Future Growth

Future criteria checks 2/6

W.W. Grainger is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 10.6% and 6.6% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 12% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 36.9% in 3 years.

Key information

10.6%

Earnings growth rate

11.98%

EPS growth rate

Trade Distributors earnings growth14.1%
Revenue growth rate6.6%
Future return on equity36.94%
Analyst coverage

Good

Last updated28 May 2026

Recent future growth updates

Analysis Article • May 09

W.W. Grainger, Inc. Just Beat Earnings Expectations: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next

As you might know, W.W. Grainger, Inc. ( NYSE:GWW ) just kicked off its latest first-quarter results with some very...

Recent updates

Narrative Update • May 21

GWW: Future Returns Will Balance Industrial Recovery Expectations With Valuation And Execution Risks

Analysts have lifted the updated price target framework for W.W. Grainger by about $115 to $1,265.57. They point to slightly higher assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples, reflected in recent target increases from firms such as Barclays, Stephens, RBC Capital, Baird, Bernstein and Morgan Stanley.
Analysis Article • May 09

W.W. Grainger, Inc. Just Beat Earnings Expectations: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next

As you might know, W.W. Grainger, Inc. ( NYSE:GWW ) just kicked off its latest first-quarter results with some very...
Narrative Update • May 05

GWW: Short Cycle Recovery Will Likely Intensify Risk Of Future Multiple Compression

Analysts have raised the implied fair value estimate for W.W. Grainger by about $35 to $964.94 as they factor in updated price targets and refreshed earnings assumptions following recent Street research. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on W.W. Grainger centers on refreshed price targets and updated earnings models, with several firms recalibrating their views as they incorporate new data points and quarterly results.
Narrative Update • Apr 20

GWW: Short Cycle Industrial Recovery Will Support Higher Future Upside

Analysts have raised the price target on W.W. Grainger to $1,342 from $1,270.55, citing refreshed estimates related to short cycle industrial recovery and updated quarterly forecasts. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research highlights a cluster of upward price target revisions on W.W. Grainger, tied to refreshed quarterly estimates and expectations around a short cycle industrial recovery.
Seeking Alpha • Apr 11

W.W. Grainger Proved Me Wrong. I Wish I Bought It Sooner

Summary W.W. Grainger is rated a buy, offering steady long-term dividend growth and capital appreciation potential despite a premium valuation. GWW's proactive tariff mitigation, strategic focus on North America and Japan, and divestiture of Cromwell have stabilized margins and improved operational focus. Adjusted diluted EPS rose 1.3% to $39.48 in FY2025, with a 4.5% Q4 sales increase and continued robust dividend growth outpacing inflation. Despite competitive pressures from Amazon and Fastenal, GWW's digital marketplace Zoro.com and targeted offerings reinforce its MRO market leadership. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Apr 06

GWW: Short Cycle Recovery Will Heighten Risk Of Multiple Compression

Analysts have lifted the W.W. Grainger price target from $874.03 to $930.00, reflecting updated views on revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions following a series of upward target revisions from major research firms. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on W.W. Grainger highlight a mix of optimism on the business and caution on valuation and execution.
Narrative Update • Mar 23

GWW: Future Returns Will Reflect Industrial Recovery Hopes Against Execution And Legal Risks

The analyst price target for W.W. Grainger edges higher by about $6 to roughly $1,150 as analysts factor in a slightly higher assumed future P/E and discount rate, while keeping revenue growth and profit margin expectations broadly steady, reflecting recent target increases across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on W.W. Grainger points to a cluster of price target increases, with analysts adjusting their models around updated quarterly results, refreshed forecasts and views on the industrial recovery cycle.
Narrative Update • Mar 09

GWW: Future Returns Will Reflect Raised Q4 Assumptions Against Execution And Legal Risks

Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for W.W. Grainger higher to $1,143.88 from $1,131.31, reflecting updated Q4 inputs, refreshed forecasts and a slightly lower discount rate, alongside modest tweaks to revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions in line with recent price target increases across the Street. Analyst Commentary Street research on W.W. Grainger in recent weeks has centered on refreshed Q4 assumptions and updated valuation work, with several firms adjusting their price targets and at least one upgrade in rating.
Narrative Update • Feb 22

GWW: Future Returns Will Balance P E Assumptions With Execution And Legal Risks

W.W. Grainger's updated analyst price target edges higher to approximately $1,131, with analysts pointing to modest tweaks in revenue growth, profit margin, and assumed future P/E as key supports for the new figure. Analyst Commentary The latest round of Street research on W.W. Grainger centers on a series of higher price targets, including adjustments of $50, $69, $75, $152, and $55, alongside a recent upgrade.
Narrative Update • Feb 08

GWW: Future Returns Will Reflect Refreshed P E Assumptions And Execution Risks

Analysts have lifted their price expectations for W.W. Grainger, reflected in an updated fair value estimate of US$1,131 per share, up from about US$1,053, citing Street research that points to adjusted assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on W.W. Grainger has centered on higher price targets and an upgrade, with several firms revisiting their assumptions around revenue growth, margin durability and acceptable P/E levels.
Narrative Update • Jan 25

GWW: Q3 Execution And LIFO Headwinds Will Support Higher Future Upside

Analysts nudged their fair value estimate for W.W. Grainger higher from about $1,250 to roughly $1,271. This reflects updated assumptions around discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E, and points to recent Street research that cited a modest Q3 operating beat, better than feared price and cost dynamics, LIFO headwinds into early 2026, and a limited revenue impact from the federal government shutdown.
Narrative Update • Jan 10

GWW: Future Returns Will Reflect Pricing Discipline And Lingering Cost Headwinds

Analysts have inched their average price target on W.W. Grainger up by about $44 to roughly $1,050, citing a modest Q3 operating beat, better than expected price and cost trends, and clarity around a roughly 1% revenue impact from the federal government shutdown. Analyst Commentary Analysts are focusing on how W.W. Grainger is handling pricing, costs, and temporary headwinds like the federal government shutdown when thinking about valuation and execution quality.
Narrative Update • Dec 25

GWW: Future Returns Will Balance MRO Leadership With Mixed End Market Headwinds

Analysts have nudged their average price target for W.W. Grainger modestly higher to approximately $1,050, reflecting improving confidence in the company’s ability to manage price and cost headwinds and sustain its leadership in the U.S. MRO market despite a less favorable end market mix. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates underscore a mixed, but generally constructive, view on W.W. Grainger, with price targets and ratings reflecting differing expectations for the pace of earnings growth and the quality of the company’s end market exposure.
Narrative Update • Dec 11

GWW: Future Returns Will Reflect Strong Execution Amid Mixed MRO Demand Risks

The analyst price target for W.W. Grainger has been nudged slightly lower by about $1 to roughly $1,053.50, as analysts balance recent target hikes tied to resilient pricing and margins against more cautious views on the MRO end market and limited earnings recovery potential. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight that W.W. Grainger continues to execute well operationally despite a mixed macro backdrop, supporting premium valuation levels relative to the broader MRO space.
Narrative Update • Nov 17

GWW: Strong Operational Execution Will Support Margins Amid Inflationary Pressures

W.W. Grainger's analyst price target saw a marginal reduction, slipping by $0.83 to $1,054.60. Analysts cited slowing revenue growth and lingering inflationary headwinds in the company's key end-markets.
Narrative Update • Nov 03

GWW: Market Share Gains Will Offset Risks From Slower End Market Exposure

Analysts have slightly raised their price target for W.W. Grainger from $1,041.77 to $1,055.43. They cite robust profit margins but emphasize the company's limited earnings recovery potential because of its exposure to slower-growing end-markets.
Analysis Article • Sep 25

Calculating The Fair Value Of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW)

Key Insights The projected fair value for W.W. Grainger is US$900 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current...
Analysis Article • Sep 14

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW) Has A Pretty Healthy Balance Sheet

Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...
Narrative Update • Sep 04

US Infrastructure Upgrades And Digital Commerce Will Ensure Lasting Success

With consensus estimates for both revenue growth (6.7% per annum) and the discount rate (8.00%) unchanged, analysts have maintained their fair value for W.W. Grainger at $1049 per share. What's in the News Revised 2025 earnings guidance: net sales expected at $17.9–$18.2 billion (up from prior $17.6–$18.1 billion), sales growth at 4.4%–5.9% (vs.
Analysis Article • Aug 04

Is Now The Time To Put W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW) On Your Watchlist?

The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...
Analysis Article • Jun 21

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW) Could Become A Multi-Bagger

If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for...
Analysis Article • Jun 10

A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW)

Key Insights The projected fair value for W.W. Grainger is US$899 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With...
Seeking Alpha • Mar 27

W.W. Grainger: Resilient, But Approach With Caution

Summary W.W. Grainger is a Dividend King with strong financial performance, modest growth, and a sustainable cash flow, making it appealing for long-term dividend investors. Despite a low dividend yield of 0.83%, Grainger's 53-year track record of increasing dividends and a low payout ratio indicate a safe and growing dividend. Grainger faces stiff competition from Fastenal, HD Supply, and Amazon, which could impact its market share and growth prospects. Macroeconomic factors, such as potential tariffs, pose risks to Grainger's profitability, suggesting caution before initiating a position in the stock. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jan 13

W.W. Grainger: Stability Is The Key

Summary W.W. Grainger's High-Touch Solutions segment has driven volume growth, outpacing the MRO market, which should help gain market share in the medium-to-long term. Despite economic challenges and a relatively high valuation, GWW's strong cash flows, robust balance sheet, and share repurchases support steady returns, justifying a "hold" rating. The company's liquidity and improved cash flows enable continued share repurchases, but moderate US economic growth and industrial activity may pressure operating margins. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Aug 28

Like A Certain Battery-Powered Bunny, W.W. Grainger Keeps Going... And Going

Summary Grainger's shares rarely reach a "value" price, but the company consistently outperforms, driven by a diverse customer base and strategic growth initiatives like B2B e-commerce. Q2 results were solid with over 5% organic daily sales growth, outperforming competitors like Fastenal and MSC despite a slowing industrial market. Grainger's end-market performance is strong, particularly with contractors, healthcare, retail, and warehousing, though overall market softening has led to lowered guidance. Despite high valuation, Grainger's scale, growth prospects, and impressive long-term FCF and ROIC have sustained a valuation multiple premium and I'm not expecting that to shrink anytime soon. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

Earnings and Revenue Growth Forecasts

NYSE:GWW - Analysts future estimates and past financials data (USD Millions)
DateRevenueEarningsFree Cash FlowCash from OpAvg. No. Analysts
12/31/202822,0942,5042,1182,6639
12/31/202720,7882,3231,9662,53216
12/31/202619,4602,1491,6842,30116
3/31/202618,3781,7821,3792,108N/A
12/31/202517,9421,7061,3312,015N/A
9/30/202517,7501,7301,2322,048N/A
6/30/202517,4811,9221,4162,062N/A
3/31/202517,2391,9101,5492,096N/A
12/31/202417,1681,9091,5702,111N/A
9/30/202416,9321,8291,8772,287N/A
6/30/202416,7521,8191,7522,199N/A
3/31/202416,6221,8191,7722,238N/A
12/31/202316,4781,8291,5862,031N/A
9/30/202316,2831,8181,4211,787N/A
6/30/202316,0171,7681,3581,644N/A
3/31/202315,6721,6691,1471,444N/A
12/31/202215,2281,5471,0771,333N/A
9/30/202214,7851,4469201,186N/A
6/30/202214,2151,317696967N/A
3/31/202213,5851,171747986N/A
12/31/202113,0221,043682937N/A
9/30/202112,6049288181,060N/A
6/30/202112,2508719591,210N/A
3/31/202111,8807609531,173N/A
12/31/202011,7976959261,123N/A
9/30/202011,7036308491,059N/A
6/30/202011,6326238611,068N/A
3/31/202011,6887699481,159N/A
12/31/201911,486849N/A1,042N/A
9/30/201911,402955N/A1,084N/A
6/30/201911,286826N/A1,112N/A
3/31/201911,254803N/A1,037N/A
12/31/201811,221782N/A1,057N/A
9/30/201811,091723N/A1,079N/A
6/30/201810,896779N/A1,080N/A
3/31/201810,650640N/A1,023N/A
12/31/201710,425586N/A1,057N/A
9/30/201710,263491N/A1,056N/A
6/30/201710,223515N/A1,053N/A
3/31/201710,172589N/A1,044N/A
12/31/201610,137601N/A1,024N/A
9/30/201610,145684N/A943N/A
6/30/201610,081690N/A963N/A
3/31/201610,040738N/A994N/A
12/31/20159,973761N/A1,036N/A
9/30/201510,006765N/A1,033N/A
6/30/201510,035802N/A1,001N/A

Analyst Future Growth Forecasts

Earnings vs Savings Rate: GWW's forecast earnings growth (10.6% per year) is above the savings rate (3.5%).

Earnings vs Market: GWW's earnings (10.6% per year) are forecast to grow slower than the US market (17% per year).

High Growth Earnings: GWW's earnings are forecast to grow, but not significantly.

Revenue vs Market: GWW's revenue (6.6% per year) is forecast to grow slower than the US market (11.9% per year).

High Growth Revenue: GWW's revenue (6.6% per year) is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Earnings per Share Growth Forecasts

Future Return on Equity

Future ROE: GWW's Return on Equity is forecast to be high in 3 years time (36.9%)

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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/05/31 21:38
End of Day Share Price 2026/05/29 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is covered by 37 analysts. 16 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
David MantheyBaird
Scott DavisBarclays
Guy HardwickBarclays