W.W. Grainger Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 3/6
W.W. Grainger has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 13.5%, while the Trade Distributors industry saw earnings growing at 6.9% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 8% per year. W.W. Grainger's return on equity is 43.5%, and it has net margins of 9.7%.
Key information
13.52%
Earnings growth rate
15.28%
EPS growth rate
| Trade Distributors Industry Growth | 23.44% |
| Revenue growth rate | 8.00% |
| Return on equity | 43.50% |
| Net Margin | 9.70% |
| Next Earnings Update | 04 Aug 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jun 04
GWW: Short Cycle Recovery Will Likely Drive Future Multiple Compression Risk
Analysts have raised the updated price target framework for W.W. Grainger, increasing the modeled fair value from about $964.94 to approximately $1,031.07. This change reflects higher published Street targets from several firms following recent Q1 estimate updates and roll-forward adjustments.
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 AlphaNarrative 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...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 AlphaSeeking 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 AlphaSeeking 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 AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How W.W. Grainger makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 18,378 | 1,782 | 4,284 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 17,942 | 1,706 | 4,219 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 17,750 | 1,730 | 4,144 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 17,481 | 1,922 | 4,087 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 17,239 | 1,910 | 4,055 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 17,168 | 1,909 | 4,016 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 16,932 | 1,829 | 3,976 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 16,752 | 1,819 | 3,930 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 16,622 | 1,819 | 3,868 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 16,478 | 1,829 | 3,849 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 16,283 | 1,818 | 3,824 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 16,017 | 1,768 | 3,752 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 15,672 | 1,669 | 3,676 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 15,228 | 1,547 | 3,550 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 14,785 | 1,446 | 3,274 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 14,215 | 1,317 | 3,170 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 13,585 | 1,171 | 3,053 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 13,022 | 1,043 | 3,088 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 12,604 | 928 | 3,096 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 12,250 | 871 | 2,875 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 11,880 | 760 | 2,895 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 11,797 | 695 | 2,946 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 11,703 | 630 | 2,856 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 11,632 | 623 | 3,025 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 11,688 | 769 | 2,960 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 11,486 | 849 | 2,912 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 11,402 | 955 | 2,879 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 11,286 | 826 | 2,866 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 11,254 | 803 | 2,874 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 11,221 | 782 | 2,909 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 11,091 | 723 | 2,906 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 10,896 | 779 | 2,877 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 10,650 | 640 | 2,875 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 10,425 | 586 | 2,845 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 10,263 | 491 | 2,932 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 10,223 | 515 | 2,899 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 10,172 | 589 | 2,898 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 10,137 | 601 | 2,826 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 10,145 | 684 | 2,795 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 10,081 | 690 | 2,831 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 10,040 | 738 | 2,798 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 9,973 | 761 | 2,822 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 10,006 | 765 | 2,874 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 10,035 | 802 | 2,870 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: GWW has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: GWW's current net profit margins (9.7%) are lower than last year (11.1%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: GWW's earnings have grown by 13.5% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: GWW's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: GWW had negative earnings growth (-6.7%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Trade Distributors industry average (3.9%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: GWW's Return on Equity (43.5%) is considered outstanding.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/10 21:44 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/10 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
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.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* 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
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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 36 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.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| David Manthey | Baird |
| Scott Davis | Barclays |
| Guy Hardwick | Barclays |