W.W. Grainger (GWW) Q2 Earnings: Taking a Look at Key Metrics Versus Estimates

Core Viewpoint - W.W. Grainger reported a revenue of $4.31 billion for the quarter ended June 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.1%, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.96% [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was$ 9.76, compared to $9.28 a year ago, indicating a positive year-over-year change [1] - Total reported growth was 3.1%, which is below the average estimate of 3.9% based on five analysts [3] - Net Sales for High-Touch Solutions N.A. was$ 3.46 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $3.49 billion, with a year-over-year change of +3.1% [4] - Net Sales for Other was reported at$ 78 million, compared to the estimated $78.49 million, showing a +2.6% change year-over-year [5] - Net Sales for Endless Assortment reached$ 776 million, slightly above the estimated $775.89 million, with a +3.3% year-over-year change [6] Group 2: Operating Earnings - Operating earnings for High-Touch Solutions N.A. were$ 591 million, below the average estimate of $610.42 million [7] - Operating earnings for Endless Assortment were$ 61 million, exceeding the average estimate of $57.45 million [7] - Operating losses for Other were reported at -$ 3 million, better than the estimated -$3.82 million [7] Group 3: Stock Performance - Shares of W.W. Grainger have returned +6.7% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.1% change [8] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [8]